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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from              to            

 

Commission File Number 333-90436

 


 

AMERICAN SEAFOODS GROUP LLC

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Delaware   22-3702647

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

Market Place Tower

2025 First Avenue

Suite 1200

Seattle, Washington 98121

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(206) 374-1515

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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 whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I— FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    
     Item 1.    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    3
     Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    11
     Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    20
     Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    21

PART II— OTHER INFORMATION

    
     Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    22
     Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    22
SIGNATURE    23
CERTIFICATIONS     

 

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Table of Contents

PART I— FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements

 

AMERICAN SEAFOODS GROUP LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

     December 31,
2003


    June 30,
2004


 
ASSETS                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,268     $ 3,585  

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $691 and $454

     38,155       33,864  

Receivables from related parties

     189       78  

Inventories

     44,567       38,372  

Prepaid expenses

     13,967       23,293  

Unrealized gains on derivatives

     3,275       17,701  

Other

     6,213       3,482  
    


 


Total current assets

     111,634       120,375  
    


 


PROPERTY, VESSELS, AND EQUIPMENT, NET

     225,965       214,211  

OTHER ASSETS:

                

Restricted cash

     420       406  

Noncurrent receivables from related parties

     5,922       5,922  

Unrealized gains on derivatives

     1,543       1,543  

Cooperative rights, net of accumulated amortization of $57,744 and $59,683

     81,831       79,892  

Goodwill

     40,847       40,847  

Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $4,032 and $4,338

     8,923       9,505  

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $8,347 and $11,002

     27,951       25,678  

Other

     14,412       20,879  
    


 


Total other assets

     181,849       184,672  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 519,448     $ 519,258  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ DEFICIT                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

                

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 15,929     $ 15,861  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     40,743       38,924  

Payables to related parties

     1,609       1,724  

Unrealized losses on derivatives

     6,919       18,668  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     65,200       75,177  
    


 


LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

                

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     511,353       466,989  

Accrued long-term liabilities to related parties

     17,037       17,603  

Unrealized losses on derivatives

     37,017       27,606  
    


 


Total long-term liabilities

     565,407       512,198  
    


 


Total liabilities

     630,607       587,375  
    


 


MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY

     982       —    

MEMBERS’ DEFICIT:

                

Members’ deficit

     (62,498 )     (39,422 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (49,643 )     (28,695 )
    


 


Total members’ deficit

     (112,141 )     (68,117 )
    


 


Total liabilities and members’ deficit

   $ 519,448     $ 519,258  
    


 


 

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

 

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AMERICAN SEAFOODS GROUP LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2003

    2004

    2003

    2004

 

SEAFOOD SALES

   $ 119,695     $ 127,120     $ 230,241     $ 261,847  

OTHER

     455       176       1,008       342  
    


 


 


 


Total revenue

     120,150       127,296       231,249       262,189  

COST OF SALES, INCLUDING DEPRECIATION OF $10,007, $12,215, $15,203 AND $19,787

     81,262       92,265       139,173       170,922  

COST OF SALES—RELATED PARTIES

     —         540       5,624       6,207  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     38,888       34,491       86,452       85,060  
    


 


 


 


SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, EXCLUDING EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

     16,019       16,108       30,404       34,110  

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES—RELATED PARTIES

     59       219       171       375  

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

     632       (532 )     811       566  

AMORTIZATION OF COOPERATIVE RIGHTS, OTHER INTANGIBLES, AND DEPRECIATION OF OTHER ASSETS

     2,166       1,796       4,031       3,515  
    


 


 


 


Operating profit

     20,012       16,900       51,035       46,494  
    


 


 


 


OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

                                

Interest expense

     (9,925 )     (9,443 )     (19,538 )     (19,430 )

Interest income

     79       2       159       48  

Related party interest income

     —         70       —         140  

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

     6,198       (3,870 )     8,309       (2,088 )

Minority interest

     19       —         (32 )     —    

Other

     (14 )     (86 )     54       (195 )
    


 


 


 


Total other expense

     (3,643 )     (13,327 )     (11,048 )     (21,525 )
    


 


 


 


Income before income taxes

     16,369       3,573       39,987       24,969  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

     8       13       18       13  
    


 


 


 


Net income

   $ 16,361     $ 3,560     $ 39,969     $ 24,956  
    


 


 


 


 

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

 

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AMERICAN SEAFOODS GROUP LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2003

    2004

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net income

   $ 39,969     $ 24,956  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     19,234       23,302  

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net

     (5,030 )     8,860  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     2,502       2,655  

Equity-based compensation

     811       566  

Loss on sale of fixed assets

     47       99  

Minority interest

     32       —    

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Trade accounts receivable, net

     675       4,291  

Net receivables and payables from related parties

     (148 )     226  

Inventories, net of depreciation component

     (12,894 )     5,290  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (8,547 )     (6,595 )

Other assets, net

     (205 )     (1,017 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     3,531       (2,275 )
    


 


Net cash flows from operating activities

     39,977       60,358  

CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Restricted cash deposits

     —         14  

Purchases of property, vessels and equipment

     (6,706 )     (8,484 )

Purchase of minority interest in Pacific Longline Company LLC

     —         (1,800 )

Purchase of fishing rights

     (1,016 )     —    

Other

     (96 )     —    
    


 


Net cash flows from investing activities

     (7,818 )     (10,270 )

CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (41,305 )     (15,432 )

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving debt

     15,999       (29,000 )

Payments on obligations to related party

     (4,639 )     —    

Financing fees and costs

     (418 )     (382 )

Costs related to recapitalization transaction

     (2,198 )     (5,077 )

Tax and other distributions to members

     (168 )     (1,880 )
    


 


Net cash flows from financing activities

     (32,729 )     (51,771 )

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (570 )     (1,683 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     5,172       5,268  
    


 


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 4,602     $ 3,585  
    


 


 

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

 

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Table of Contents

AMERICAN SEAFOODS GROUP LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that the management of American Seafoods Group LLC (ASG) and its subsidiaries (together with ASG, the Company) believes necessary for fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

The Company’s business is seasonal and subject to fluctuations in timing of product sales and revenue recognition. A significant portion of net income relating to the Company’s ocean harvested whitefish segment is recorded in the first quarter of the year during which time the Company generally fully or substantially completes fishing operations for the pollock “A” season. Therefore, results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 are not indicative of the results of operations expected for the complete fiscal year or any other period. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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.

 

Significant estimates impacting the financial statements include the estimated fair values of assets and liabilities acquired in acquisitions, the amortization life of cooperative rights and other intangible assets, the fair values and the effectiveness of hedges against risks of foreign currency, interest and fuel price changes, the estimated fair values of equity units used in the determination of equity-based compensation, and the estimated fair value of reporting units to which goodwill has been assigned.

 

Approximately $7.2 million of goodwill has been assigned to the catfish processing reporting unit, Southern Pride Catfish Company LLC (“SPC”), in connection with the acquisition of the assets of SPC in 2002. SPC’s recent operating results have not met the Company’s expectations primarily as a result of increased fish costs paid to catfish farmers combined with lower processing yields. Such increased costs and lower yields are generally consistent with recent industry wide trends. We believe these conditions are temporary, and that operating results will not be permanently impacted. However, should these conditions continue and should operating results continue to fall below management’s current expectations or decline further from present levels, the Company may conclude that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the SPC assets exceeds their fair value. Under such circumstances, the Company would be obligated to undertake an interim impairment test of the $7.2 million of goodwill. To the extent a goodwill impairment test indicates that the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the Company would be required to record an impairment charge to its operations for the write down of all or a portion of the recorded goodwill.

 

On December 31, 2003, ASG received a contribution of an 80% ownership interest in Pacific Longline Company LLC (“PLC”) from American Seafoods Holdings LLC (“Holdings”), which indirectly owns 100% of ASG. PLC harvests and performs primary processing of ocean harvested whitefish, primarily comprised of Pacific cod, through three freezer longliners that operate in the Bering Sea. PLC is included in ASG’s condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. ASG’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2003 have been restated to include PLC as an 80% owned consolidated subsidiary as required under the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 Business Combinations for transactions involving the transfers of net assets between entities under common control. The effect of the restatement on net income for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2003 was not significant.

 

Effective January 1, 2004, the Company purchased the remaining 20% interest in PLC from the third party minority interest holder for $1.8 million. The purchase price exceeded the carrying value of the minority interest at that date by approximately $0.8 million. The consideration in excess of the carrying value of the minority interest was recorded as fishing rights, is included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as other intangible assets and is being amortized through 2027.

 

Certain reclassifications of prior period balances and amounts have been made for consistent presentation with the current period.

 

The Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting for equity-based compensation awards to employees and has adopted only the disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 as amended by SFAS No. 148. The following table illustrates the effect on net income as if the fair-value-based method had been applied to all awards in each period. Equity-based compensation has no tax effect to the Company.

 

Dollar Amounts in thousands

 

  

Three Months Ended
June 30,

2003


   

Three Months Ended
June 30,

2004


   

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2003


   

Six Months Ended
June 30,

2004


 

Net income, as reported

   $ 16,361     $ 3,560     $ 39,969     $ 24,956  

Equity-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income

     632       (532 )     811       566  

Equity-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value-based method for all awards

     (74 )     (139 )     (212 )     (300 )

Pro forma net income

   $ 16,919     $ 2,889     $ 40,568     $ 25,222  
    


 


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

Note 2. Inventories

 

Inventories at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2003


   June 30,
2004


Fish blocks, surimi and roe

   $ 28,609    $ 22,879

Finished seafood products

     15,135      14,652

Breading, batter and packaging

     823      841
    

  

     $ 44,567    $ 38,372
    

  

 

Note 3. Prepaid Expenses

 

Prepaid expenses at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2003


   June 30,
2004


Additives and packaging

   $ 5,808    $ 9,230

Prepaid product freight

     3,174      1,737

Fuel

     916      2,083

Prepaid insurance

     1,962      2,510

Fishing gear supplies

     271      1,196

Deposits

     281      323

Other

     1,555      6,214
    

  

     $ 13,967    $ 23,293
    

  

 

Note 4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31,
2003


   June 30,
2004


Accounts payable

   $ 22,775    $ 21,060

Accrued payroll and benefits

     2,812      6,875

Deferred compensation

     4,580      4,778

Interest payable

     5,333      3,713

Other accrued liabilities

     5,243      2,498
    

  

     $ 40,743    $ 38,924
    

  

 

Note 5. Derivative Instruments

 

The Company has a significant amount of Japanese yen-denominated sales; therefore, its earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk from yen-denominated sales transactions. The Company attempts to manage foreign currency risk by using foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the variability of future cash flows associated with Japanese yen-denominated sales. These contracts are arranged so that the Company sells Japanese yen to the counterparty at a fixed exchange rate and receives U.S. dollars in return. It is the Company’s risk management policy to hedge 80% of its forecasted yen-denominated sales over the next 12 months, 65% over months 13 to 24, 50% over months 25 to 36, and 35% over months 37 to 48.

 

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had open foreign exchange contracts, which are formally designated as cash flow hedges, maturing through June 30, 2008 with total notional amounts of $603.9 million, including $150.0 million subject to extension agreements and options to enter into forward exchange contracts with notional amounts of $34.4 million.

 

        In connection with these foreign currency forward exchange contracts, as of June 30, 2004, the Company also had agreements to extend foreign exchange agreements that expire between March 2006 and December 2007 and between September 2006 and March 2008. These extension agreements would become binding and effective only if the spot rate falls below a pre-specified level (the trigger) on or before December 2005 or March 2006, respectively. If the spot rate does not reach the trigger on or before December 2005 or March 2006, then neither the Company nor the counterparty shall have any right or obligation with respect to any of these extension agreements. The trigger for each of these extension agreements is 99.00 JPY per USD and the total notional amount of these extension agreements are $150.0 million.

 

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The unrealized gains and losses resulting from the change in spot rates, or the effective portion, are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These gains and losses are recognized in revenues when the forecasted sales occur. The estimated net amount of existing losses as of June 30, 2004 that are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is approximately $10.4 million. Gains (losses) reclassified into revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were approximately $1.7 million and ($2.9) million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were approximately $2.6 million and ($8.3) million, respectively.

 

The net unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings on foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges represents the change in fair value of these contracts arising from factors other than the change in spot rates, including the change in the time value component of the contracts. The net unrealized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were approximately $5.6 million and ($6.2) million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were approximately $7.7 million and ($2.4) million, respectively. These amounts are included in the Company’s statements of operations as a component of foreign exchange gains, net. Realized gains (losses) for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were $3.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were approximately $3.2 million and ($2.8) million, respectively, related to settled contracts. During the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 net foreign currency transactions gains (losses) included as a component of foreign exchange gains were approximately ($2.7) million and $1.9 million, respectively, and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 were approximately ($2.6) million and $3.1 million, respectively.

 

The Company has options, which can be exercised at the Company’s election and are formally designated as cash flow hedges, to enter into foreign exchange contracts with a notional amount of $34.4 million and an exchange rate of 104.5 JPY per USD. The options, if exercised, provide that the Company receives USD in exchange for JPY. The exercise dates are between July 2004 and July 2005. At June 30, 2004, the fair value of these contracts was approximately $1.0 million.

 

The majority of the aforementioned foreign exchange contracts are covered by a cash collateralization agreement that requires the Company to place restricted cash deposits or standby letters of credit with the counterparty for unrealized losses on the total portfolio in excess of $17.5 million. At June 30, 2004, collateral against the unrealized losses on these contracts in excess of the $17.5 million threshold was $18.5 million, which was comprised of a standby letter of credit in the amount of $17.0 million and a deposit by an unconsolidated affiliate to the counterparty in the amount of $1.5 million.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, to mitigate the liquidity risk related to the impact of strengthening JPY on the foreign exchange portfolio and related collateral agreement, the Company entered into several foreign exchange contracts to purchase JPY for USD with notional amounts of $125.0 million each, maturity dates of July 30, 2004 and exchange rates ranging from 105.12 JPY per USD to 103.05 JPY per USD. These foreign exchange instruments are considered to be speculative in nature and all realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in operations. Two of these contracts were effectively cancelled at March 31, 2004 and a third was partially offset on April 1, 2004 with no significant cost, loss or gain to the Company. The net outstanding notional amount at June 30, 2004 was $25.0 million and the unrealized loss on that date was approximately $1.4 million. On July 15, 2004, the Company entered into additional contracts with notional amounts of $137.5 million to further mitigate liquidity risk. These contracts have exchange rates ranging from 109.30 JPY per USD to 104.80 JPY per USD with maturity dates between September 30, 2004 and March 30, 2006. These foreign exchange instruments are considered to be speculative in nature and all realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in operations.

 

The Company also had the following derivative instruments at June 30, 2004 that are formally designated as cash flow hedges:

 

  Interest rate caps with notional amounts of $21.0 million and $72.5 million maturing in March 2005 and June 2005, respectively. The cap rate is 5.0% for each cap and the variable rate is the U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR rate. The fair value of these instruments at June 30, 2004 was not significant.

 

  Fuel hedges whereby the Company pays a fixed price per gallon and receives a floating price per gallon with the payments being calculated on the remaining notional amount of 4.0 million gallons over the term of the contracts through November 30, 2004. The objective of the swap agreements is to hedge the variability of future fuel prices. These instruments are considered to be substantially fully effective and, therefore, substantially all unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of other accumulated comprehensive income. Unrealized gains and losses relating to the ineffective portion of the hedge were not material. The fair value of these instruments was an unrealized gain of $1.3 million at June 30, 2004.

 

Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company is party to fixed obligation agreements with Community Development Quota (“CDQ”) groups that provide the Company with an exclusive license to harvest and process all or part of the CDQ groups’ portion of the total allowable catch of

 

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pollock allocated to them under the Alaska Community Development Quota program. Under these agreements, the Company is obligated to make minimum purchases over the next one to two years, which will be based on the total allowable catch for each year. Based on the 2004 total allowable catch, minimum purchases would total approximately $52.1 million, of which $26.1 million and $26.0 million are committed in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The Company purchased $7.2 million and $12.1 million of CDQ for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

The Company is obligated to purchase up to 5 million pounds of catfish per year from the previous owner of Southern Pride Catfish LLC (“SPC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of ASG, at a price that is based on a market index. The term of this obligation is ten years. The Company purchased from the previous owner 0.7 million and 0.8 million pounds of catfish for $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively and 1.0 million and 2.2 million pounds of catfish for $0.6 million and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

On October 19, 2001, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the Superior Court of Washington for King County. An amended complaint was filed in both courts on January 15, 2002. The amended complaint was filed against the Company by a former vessel crewmember on behalf of himself and a class of over 500 seamen, although neither the United States District Court nor the Superior Court have certified this action as a class action. On June 13, 2002, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the complaint filed in the Superior Court of Washington. The complaint filed alleges that the Company breached its contract with the plaintiff by underestimating the value of the catch in computing the plaintiff’s wages. The plaintiff demanded an accounting of his crew shares pursuant to federal statutory law. In addition, the plaintiff requested relief under a Washington statute that would render the Company liable for twice the amount of wages withheld, as well as judgment against the Company for compensatory and exemplary damages, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs, among other things. The plaintiff also alleged that the Company fraudulently concealed the underestimation of product values, thereby preventing the discovery of the plaintiff’s cause of action. The conduct allegedly took place prior to January 28, 2000, the date the Company was acquired by Centre Partners and others through American Seafoods, L.P. (“ASLP”). On September 25, 2003, the court entered an order granting the Company’s motion for summary judgment and dismissing the entirety of plaintiff’s claims with prejudice and with costs. The plaintiff filed a motion for reconsideration of this order that was denied by the court. The plaintiff then appealed the District Court decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal is currently pending. The Company has not recorded a liability related to this matter as of June 30, 2004 as the outcome is uncertain and the amount of loss, if any, is not estimable.

 

In 2001 and 2002, the Company became aware of allegations that certain crew members may have tampered or attempted to tamper with measurement equipment on board one or more of the Company’s vessels. The National Marine Fisheries Service conducted an investigation regarding these allegations, and in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, management also conducted an internal investigation regarding these allegations. In 2004, the Company received additional tampering allegations relating to one of its vessels. Management and the National Marine Fisheries Service are currently conducting an investigation regarding these allegations. To date no fines or penalties have been assessed against the Company in connection with any of these allegations. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters is uncertain.

 

Other lawsuits relate principally to employment matters and are not expected to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

Note 7. Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income includes net income as well as a component comprised of certain gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are reflected in members’ deficit but are excluded from the determination of net income. The Company has segregated the total accumulated other comprehensive gain or loss (specifically, accumulated unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as hedges and foreign currency translation adjustments) from the other components of members’ deficit in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004 was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended

    Six Months Ended

 
    

June 30,

2003


    June 30,
2004


    June 30,
2003


    June 30,
2004


 

Net income

   $ 16,361     $ 3,560     $ 39,969     $ 24,956  

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as hedges, net

     6,419       23,315       6,488       20,949  

Translation adjustment

     (5 )     (4 )     (4 )     (1 )
    


 


 


 


Comprehensive income

   $ 22,775     $ 26,871     $ 46,543     $ 45,904  
    


 


 


 


 

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Note 8. Long-Term Debt

 

On April 18, 2002, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate group of banks (the “Bank”). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving loan commitment of $75.0 million with a subfacility for letters of credit of up to $30.0 million. There was a total of $39.5 million and $10.5 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively. In addition, there were open letters of credit of $16.0 million and $17.0 million at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively, which reduced the amount of available borrowings under this credit facility. The amount of available borrowings under the credit facility was $47.5 million at June 30, 2004. The interest on the revolver is determined on a base rate, which is calculated using LIBOR (Eurodollar rate) or the higher of the Bank prime rate and the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% per annum (base rate) basis at the Company’s option, plus a margin determined by results of financial covenant ratios. The margins range from 2.25% to 3.00% for Eurodollar loans and 1.25% to 2.00% for base rate loans. The Credit Agreement also provides for a commitment fee of 0.5% to 0.375% of the unused portion of the revolving commitment, depending on the results of financial covenant ratios. At June 30, 2004, the effective interest rate on funds borrowed under the line of credit was 4.42%. The revolving loan terminates on September 30, 2007.

 

The Credit Agreement also provides for a long-term facility, which includes a $90.0 million term loan (“Term A”). Term A is payable in quarterly principal installments of $3.2 million through March 2005, $3.6 million from June 2005 to March 2006, $4.5 million from June 2006 through March 2007 and $4.9 million from June 2007 through the final payment on September 30, 2007. Interest may be determined on a Eurodollar rate or the base rate basis at the Company’s option, plus a margin determined by results of financial covenant ratios. The margins range from 2.25% to 3.00% for Eurodollar loans and 1.25% to 2.00% for base rate loans. At June 30, 2004, the interest rate was 4.10% and the amount outstanding was $51.8 million.

 

The long-term facility also includes a $230.0 million term loan (Term B), which was amended on December 16, 2002 to increase the principal amount by $50 million. The facility is payable in quarterly principal installments of $0.6 million from June 2004 through September 2007, $6.5 million from December 2007 through March 2008, $7.9 million from June 2008 through December 2008 and a final payment of $200.6 million at maturity on March 31, 2009. Interest may be determined on a Eurodollar rate or on the base rate at the Company’s option, plus a margin of 3.25% for Eurodollar loans or 2.25% for base rate loans. At June 30, 2004, the interest rate was 4.35% and the amount outstanding was $245.6 million.

 

The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all assets of the Company, including intangible assets. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to meet certain financial tests, including without limitation, a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, the senior credit facility contains certain covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, liens and encumbrances, changes in the nature of the business, investments, dividends and other restricted payments, prepayments of certain indebtedness (including the notes), certain transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, capital expenditures, mergers and consolidations, sales of receivables and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The Company obtained an amendment to its debt covenants at a cost of $0.4 million, which, among other things, adjusted the required leverage ratio as of December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004. But for this amendment, the Company’s leverage ratio as of December 31, 2003 would have exceeded the levels required to maintain compliance with the leverage ratio covenant under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement at June 30, 2004.

 

Additionally, the Company issued and sold $175.0 million of senior subordinated notes on April 18, 2002. These notes mature in 2010, and interest is paid bi-annually at a rate fixed of 10 1/8%. On September 15, 2003, in connection with a proposed public offering (please see Note 10), the Company commenced a tender offer to purchase these notes and a related consent solicitation to amendments to the indenture governing these notes (the “Indenture”) to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain repurchase rights and certain events of default and related provisions contained in such indenture. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had received the requisite consents to the proposed amendments to the Indenture governing the notes. The proposed amendments to the Indenture would not become operative until the notes were accepted for purchase by the Company. As of June 30, 2004, all of these notes were validly and irrevocably tendered. On August 12, 2004, the Company announced it was terminating its tender offer and consent solicitation in connection with the postponement of its proposed public offering.

 

The Indenture contains various financial, operating and restrictive covenants and imposes restrictions on capital expenditures. The Indenture also imposes restrictions similar to the Credit Agreement restrictions on the operation of the business. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Indenture at June 30, 2004.

 

Note 9. Segment Information

 

The Company has two reportable segments:

 

  Ocean harvested whitefish, which is primarily comprised of the harvesting and processing of pollock, hake, yellowfin sole and Pacific cod aboard the Company’s vessels operating in the Bering Sea and in the Company’s processing plant in Massachusetts; and

 

  Other seafood products, which is principally comprised of the processing of catfish and scallops in the Company’s processing plants in Alabama and Massachusetts.

 

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Table of Contents

Segment information for the three months ended June 30, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Ocean
Harvested
Whitefish


   Other
Seafood
Products


    Total

Total revenues

   $ 90,283    $ 37,013     $ 127,296

Cost of sales

     58,543      34,262       92,805
    

  


 

Gross profit

   $ 31,740    $ 2,751     $ 34,491
    

  


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 5,130    $ (1,557 )   $ 3,573
    

  


 

 

Segment information for the three months ended June 30, 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Ocean
Harvested
Whitefish


   Other
Seafood
Products


    Total

Total revenues

   $ 86,747    $ 33,403     $ 120,150

Cost of sales

     52,380      28,882       81,262
    

  


 

Gross profit

   $ 34,367    $ 4,521     $ 38,888
    

  


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 16,789    $ (420 )   $ 16,369
    

  


 

 

Segment information as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Ocean
Harvested
Whitefish


   Other
Seafood
Products


    Total

Total revenues

   $ 187,600    $ 74,589     $ 262,189

Cost of sales

     108,990      68,139       177,129
    

  


 

Gross profit

   $ 78,610    $ 6,450     $ 85,060
    

  


 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 27,896    $ (2,927 )   $ 24,969
    

  


 

Total assets

   $ 447,716    $ 71,542     $ 519,258
    

  


 

 

Segment information for the six months ended June 30, 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Ocean
Harvested
Whitefish


   Other
Seafood
Products


    Total

Total revenues

   $ 166,157    $ 65,092     $ 231,249

Cost of sales

     87,958      56,839       144,797
    

  


 

Gross profit

   $ 78,199    $ 8,253     $ 86,452
    

  


 

Income before income taxes

   $ 41,321    $ (1,334 )   $ 39,987
    

  


 

 

Note 10. Public Offering

 

         American Seafoods Corporation (“ASC”), a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, is pursuing an offering of public equity and debt securities that, if completed, would result in the sale of a significant portion of the equity interests of the Company to ASC and the sale of a significant portion of the equity of ASC to the public. As part of these contemplated transactions, all of the Company’s outstanding debt would be repaid, and new debt issued. The Company has incurred direct and incremental transaction costs of approximately $7.9 and $13.5 million at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively, which have been deferred and are included in other long-term assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. On August 12, 2004, the Company announced a postponement of the offering due to market conditions. However, management believes that the postponement is temporary and that efforts to complete the offering will resume in the near term. Management of the Company believes that completion of the offering is probable; however, there is no assurance that the offering will be completed.

 

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

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws. Forward-looking statements can include words like “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan” or “anticipate” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: future results of operations; future capital expenditures; environmental conditions and regulations; plans or intentions relating to acquisitions; our competitive strengths and weaknesses; future financing needs; our business strategy; general economic conditions; trends that we anticipate in the industries and economies in which we operate; proposed new products, services or developments; and any assumptions underlying the foregoing. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements for many reasons, including those described in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this report and in our other filings made with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, prospects and results of operations.

 

Business Overview

 

We are one of the largest integrated seafood companies in the U.S. in terms of revenues. We harvest and process a variety of fish species aboard our sophisticated catcher-processor vessels, aboard our freezer-longliner vessels and at our land-based processing facilities, and we market our products to a diverse group of customers in North America, Asia and Europe. We are the largest harvester and at-sea processor of pollock and hake, and the largest processor of catfish in the U.S. In addition, we harvest and/or process additional seafood, including cod, scallops and yellowfin sole. We maintain an international marketing network through our U.S. and Japan offices and through an affiliated European office owned by American Seafoods Holdings LLC and have developed long-term relationships with our U.S. and international customer base.

 

We operate in two principal business segments, ocean harvested whitefish and other seafood products. The ocean harvested whitefish segment includes the harvesting and processing of pollock, cod, hake and yellowfin sole. Processing of ocean harvested whitefish occurs on our vessels while at sea and at our facilities in Massachusetts. The other seafood products segment includes the processing of catfish and scallops at our facilities in Alabama and Massachusetts.

 

Revenues and Expenses

 

Ocean Harvested Whitefish Revenues. Revenues in our ocean harvested whitefish segment are primarily driven by the following factors:

 

  volume of pollock and other whitefish harvested annually by our catcher-processors and freezer-longliners;

 

  the quantity of finished product we are able to produce (determined by flesh and roe recovery rates);

 

  the prevailing market prices for the pollock products we sell, such as roe, surimi (a fish protein paste used in products such as imitation lobster and crabmeat) and fillet block;

 

  the timing of our sales of fish products;

 

  the yen-dollar exchange rate; and

 

  volume throughput for our secondary processing of ocean harvested whitefish.

 

Harvest volumes. In addition to the portion of the directed pollock catch allocated to us under the Pollock Conservation Cooperative agreement, we historically have purchased additional pollock quota from other industry participants up to the 17.5% limit of the directed pollock catch. We supplemented our harvest in 2002, 2003 and 2004 by purchasing 28.0%, 36.4% and 50.0%, respectively, of the community development quota from Alaska Community Development Groups. Such quota purchases do not count against the 17.5% limitation. The increase in the percentage of the pollock quota purchased from the Alaska Community Development Groups in 2004 reflects the agreement we reached late in 2003 to purchase quota from Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation (“Bristol Bay”). Under this agreement, Bristol Bay has granted us an exclusive license to harvest all of the pollock resource allocated to it under the Alaska Community Development Quota (“CDQ”) program for the 2004 and 2005 pollock seasons. Bristol Bay’s pollock quota for the 2004 and 2005 pollock seasons will be 2.1% of the total allowable catch, which represents approximately 21.0% of the community development quota.

 

Recovery rates. Increases in flesh and roe recovery rates, which represent the percentage of finished product produced from a whole fish, result in higher finished product volumes. Flesh recovery rate means the weight of at-sea processed products, other than fishmeal and roe, relative to the weight of fish harvested expressed as a percentage. Roe recovery rate means the weight of at-sea processed roe, relative to the weight of fish harvested expressed as a percentage.

 

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Table of Contents

Market prices. Market prices for our ocean harvested whitefish products are primarily influenced by the aggregate supply of products produced in any given year, the anticipated inventory carry over for that year and changes in demand.

 

Over the last five years, our seasonal average pollock surimi prices have fluctuated within a range of approximately 200 to 300 yen per kilogram. During the six months ended June 30, 2004 our overall average surimi prices fell below the low end of this range and reflected a decline of approximately 25% as compared to the same period in the prior year. The surimi price decline reflects both an overall decline in surimi market prices for such periods as well as sales of a greater percentage of lower quality surimi. In addition to grade mix composition, some of the factors that influence pollock surimi prices are anticipated seasonal production, overall inventory levels and buyers’ speculation of anticipated price levels.

 

Prices for surimi and roe products generally fluctuate from year to year and do not necessarily follow a typical price cycle trend. For example, a 29.7% increase in our surimi prices, denominated in Japanese yen, from 2001 to 2002 was primarily due to market conditions, and to sales of a slightly higher grade mix of surimi in 2002. During the second half of 2003, the average price of our yen-denominated surimi sales had decreased approximately 28.9% compared to the same period in 2002 primarily due to market conditions and sales of a lower grade mix. The 2003 “A” season roe price of ¥1,778 per kilogram declined from the 2002 “A” season roe price of ¥1,906 per kilogram due primarily to a lower grade mix produced in 2003. However, the decline in roe price in 2003 was more than offset by higher 2003 roe recovery rates as compared to 2002, which resulted in slightly higher roe revenues in 2003. While pollock roe prices have experienced volatility in recent years, on a grade-by-grade basis, roe prices have remained relatively stable with the exception of 2000, which was an unusual year due largely to market conditions.

 

Exchange rate effects. Because we sell large quantities of roe and surimi to Japanese customers, a significant portion of our revenue is denominated in Japanese yen. Consequently, we are at risk that any increase or decrease in the value of the yen relative to the dollar would increase or decrease the amount of dollar revenues we record on the sales of our products in Japan. To mitigate the potentially adverse effect of fluctuations in the yen to U.S. dollar spot exchange rate, we enter into forward currency contracts. It is our risk management policy to hedge approximately 80% of our forecasted yen sales over the next 12 months, 65% over months 13 to 24, 50% over months 25 to 36 and 35% over months 37 to 48.

 

Other Seafood Products Revenues. Revenues from our other seafood products segment are primarily a function of the volume of catfish and scallops that we process. The key performance drivers for our other seafood products operations are the purchase price of raw materials and the volume of production and the market prices of our catfish and scallop products.

 

Ocean Harvested Whitefish Expenses. The operating cost structure of the ocean harvested whitefish operations include four main cost categories:

 

  variable costs driven by revenue or product volume, such as crew compensation, quota purchases, product freight and storage, marketing commissions and packaging and additives;

 

  vessel-related depreciation;

 

  fixed costs that are assumed to be incurred whether or not the vessel is deployed, such as insurance, repair and maintenance, nets and gear supplies, moorage, equipment rental, crew travel and general supplies; and

 

  daily operating costs driven by vessel operating days, such as fuel, galley supplies, observers and technicians.

 

Costs of sales include operating costs such as crew and factory personnel compensation, fish purchases, vessel fuel, other raw material purchases, packaging, insurance and other operating related expenses and depreciation applicable to property, vessels and equipment used in production. Selling costs include product freight, storage and marketing costs. General and administrative expenses include employee compensation and benefits, equity-based compensation, rent expense, professional fees, association dues and other expenses, such as business development, office equipment and supplies.

 

After depreciation expense, crew compensation represents the largest operating cost for the vessel operations and is a variable cost, structured to reward each crew based upon a pre-season estimated value per product applied to actual production and actual roe value achieved by their vessel. Quota purchase costs, the second largest operating cost excluding depreciation expense, are calculated as an amount per ton harvested and are incurred when we purchase quota amounts from our Alaska Community Development Group partners, catcher vessel owners and other third party fishery participants. Product freight is incurred when we transport the product to either our customer or a cold storage facility. Storage costs are incurred for product warehoused in a storage facility.

 

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Table of Contents

Other Seafood Products Expenses. Operating costs related to our other seafood products operations are principally comprised of the cost of raw material purchases and labor. In addition, these costs include depreciation expense related to equipment and facilities used for processing and transportation.

 

Seasonality

 

The U.S. Bering Sea pollock fishery is split into two distinct seasons, known as the “A” and “B” seasons. The “A” season opens in January and typically ends in April. During the “A” season, pollock are spawning and therefore typically carry more high-value roe, making this season the more profitable one. During the “A” season, we also produce other primary products, such as surimi and fillet blocks, although yields on these products are slightly lower in “A” season compared to “B” season due to the prioritization of roe production during processing in the “A” season. Although the “A” season typically accounts for approximately 40% of our year’s total pollock harvest measured by weight, it represents a substantially larger portion of our revenues generated in the same period due to the higher value of roe that is recovered during the “A” season.

 

The pollock “B” season occurs in the latter half of the year, typically beginning in July and extending through the end of October. The primary products produced in the “B” season are surimi and fillet blocks. The “B” season typically accounts for approximately 60% of our year’s total pollock harvest.

 

The freezer-longliner Pacific cod fishery is divided into two seasons. Of the annual quota, 60% is allocated to the “A” season and the remaining 40% is allocated to the “B” season. The “A” season begins on January 1st and runs until the season quota is caught, and the “B” season begins in mid August and runs until the season quota is caught.

 

The table below shows the Company’s quarterly dispersion, in terms of percentage, for net sales and gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003:

 

     “A” Season

    “B” Season

 
     Q-1

    Q-2

    Q-3

    Q-4

 

Revenues:

                        

2001

   33 %   26 %   16 %   25 %

2002

   25     30     22     23  

2003

   27     30     21     22  

Gross profit:

                        

2001

   44 %   22 %   16 %   18 %

2002

   33     29     24     14  

2003

   36     31     21     12  

 

Our fishing seasons, including the important January-to-April pollock season, straddle more than one quarter, and the timing of our sales fluctuates. As a result, the timing of the recognition of significant amounts of revenue can vary from one quarter to another.

 

Overview of Operating Results and Recent Developments

 

Revenues increased 5.9% in the second quarter of 2004 as measured against the comparable prior year quarter due to increased ocean harvested whitefish sales volume compared to the 2003 period. Operating profit during the second quarter of 2004 was $16.9 million, reflecting a decline of $3.1 million, or 15.5%, compared to our operating profit during the comparable period of 2003. Excluding a $1.1 million decrease in equity-based compensation, our operating profit decreased $4.2 million, or 20.4%, compared to the prior year period. This decrease in operating profit was largely due to timing differences in roe auctions, which caused roe sales in the second quarter of 2004 to be somewhat lower than typical. Also contributing to the decrease in operating profit were lower average pollock surimi prices and lower catfish profit margins, partially offset by increased sales volume of certain pollock block products.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

Revenues. Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased $7.1 million, or 5.9%, to $127.3 million from $120.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Ocean harvested whitefish revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased to $90.3 million from $86.8 million in the prior year quarter, an increase of $3.5 million or 4.0% due to an increase in sales volume, partially offset by lower prices for certain pollock products. Other seafood products revenues for the period increased $3.6 million or 10.8%, to $37.0 million from $33.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in other seafood products revenue reflected increased catfish sales prices and increased scallop sales volumes during the 2004 period.

 

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Cost of Sales. Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased $11.5 million, or 14.1%, to $92.8 million from $81.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Ocean harvested whitefish cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased $6.1 million, or 11.6%, to $58.5 million from $52.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to the increased volume of ocean harvested whitefish sales. Other seafood products cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased $5.4 million, or 18.7%, to $34.3 million from $28.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, primarily as a result of costs to purchase catfish from farmers which increased approximately 16.1% on a per pound basis from the prior year and due to a reduction of catfish yields of approximately 4.5% from the prior year. The lower yields are largely due to processing smaller, less meaty fish resulting from the less frequent feeding patterns of catfish farmers as compared to the prior year.

 

Gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $4.4 million, or 11.3%, to $34.5 million from $38.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and gross profit as a percent of sales decreased to 27.1% from 32.4% from the comparable prior year period. Ocean harvested whitefish gross profit decreased to $31.7 million from $34.4 million during the second quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year comparable period and decreased as a percentage of revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 to 35.2% from 39.6% in the prior year period. The decline in ocean harvested whitefish gross profit as a percentage of sales resulted from lower roe sales volume in the second quarter as compared to the same prior year period and from the continued soft market for certain of our pollock products that began to develop in the second half of 2003. The lower roe sales resulted from the timing differences in our roe auctions, which led to higher roe sales in the first quarter this year, as compared to the first quarter in the prior period. Other seafood products gross profit for the three months ended June 30, 2004 decreased to $2.8 million from $4.5 million during the second quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year comparable period. Other seafoods products gross margins as a percentage of revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2004 declined to 7.6% as compared to 13.5% for the same period in 2003 due primarily to reduced margins on catfish sales as a result of the increased costs to purchase catfish from farmers and lower yields.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, selling, general and administrative expenses including equity-based compensation decreased $0.9 million, or 5.4%, to $15.8 million from $16.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in equity-based compensation charges of $1.1 million partially offset by a $0.2 million increase in freight and handling costs related to products sold to customers as a result of the increase in sales volumes of ocean harvested whitefish. The decline in equity based compensation is primarily due to a decline in the estimated fair value of the equity units of ASLP and is reflective of the fact that certain ASLP equity options are subject to variable rather than fixed accounting treatment.

 

Amortization of Cooperative Rights and Intangibles, and Depreciation of Other Assets. Amortization includes the amortization related to cooperative rights and other intangible assets. Amortization and depreciation of other assets for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $1.8 million, declining from the amount recorded in the comparable prior year period of $2.2 million primarily as a result of a change in the estimated life of certain fishing rights.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense includes interest incurred on our revolving facility, bank debt and 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes. Net interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $0.4 million, or 4.1%, to $9.4 million from $9.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease was mainly attributable to a lower average balance on the Company’s revolving credit facility for the current period.

 

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses), Net. Net foreign exchange gain (loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $(3.9) million compared to $6.2 million for the comparable period in 2003. This decrease of $10.1 million was primarily attributable to realized losses on foreign exchange contract settlements, partially offset by unrealized gains recognized during the period related to the time value portion of our financial derivatives designated as hedges. The net realized losses were primarily the result of the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar versus the Japanese yen. The unrealized gains were related to the time value portion of the foreign exchange contracts that result from the interest rate differential between the U.S. and Japan.

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

Revenues. Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $31.0 million, or 13.4%, to $262.2 million from $231.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Ocean harvested whitefish revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased to $187.6 million from $166.2 million in the prior year quarter, an increase of $21.4 million or 12.9%. This increase reflected the sale of carryover flesh-based pollock inventory from the 2003 “B” season and a higher volume of roe sales from “A” season production in 2004 as compared to the prior period, offset by lower sales prices during the 2004 period as compared to the first six months of 2003. Other seafood products revenues for the period increased $9.5 million, or 14.6%, to $74.6 million from $65.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in other seafood products revenue reflected increased catfish sales prices and increased scallop sales volumes during the 2004 period.

 

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Table of Contents

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $32.3 million, or 22.3%, to $177.1 million from $144.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Ocean harvested whitefish cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $21.0 million, or 23.9%, to $109.0 million from $88.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to the increased volume of ocean harvested whitefish sales. Other seafood products cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased $11.3 million, or 19.9%, to $68.1 million from $56.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, primarily as a result of higher costs we incurred to purchase catfish from farmers, which increased approximately 22.0% on a per pound basis from the prior year, and due to a reduction of catfish yields of approximately 4.5% from the prior year. The lower yields are largely due to processing smaller, less meaty fish resulting from the less frequent feeding patterns of catfish farmers as compared to the prior year.

 

Gross profit for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $1.4 million, or 1.6%, to $85.1 million from $86.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, and gross margin as a percent of revenues decreased to 32.5% from 37.4% from the comparable prior year period. Ocean harvested whitefish gross profit increased to $78.6 million from $78.2 million during the second quarter of 2004 as compared to the prior year comparable period and decreased as a percentage of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 to 41.9% from 47.1% in the prior year period. The increase in the amount of ocean harvested whitefish gross profit reflects increased sales volumes. The decline in gross profit as a percentage of sales resulted from the sale of the carryover flesh based “B” season pollock inventory that we sold at a lower margin and the continued soft market for certain of our pollock products that began to develop in the second half of 2003. Other seafood products gross margins for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $1.8 million to $6.5 million during the second quarter of 2004 as compared to $8.3 million from the prior year comparable period. Other seafood products gross margins as a percentage of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2004 declined to 8.7% as compared to 12.7% for the same period in 2003 due primarily to reduced margins on catfish sales as a result of the increased costs to purchase catfish from farmers and lower yields.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, selling, general and administrative expenses, including equity-based compensation, increased $3.7 million, or 11.8%, to $35.1 million from $31.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. This increase was primarily due to a $3.9 million increase in freight and handling costs related to products sold to customers as a result of the increase in sales volumes of ocean harvested whitefish offset by a decrease in equity-based compensation charges of $0.2 million.

 

Amortization of Cooperative Rights and Intangibles, and Depreciation of Other Assets. Amortization and depreciation of other assets for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $3.5 million, declining from the amount recorded in the comparable prior year period of $4.0 million primarily as a result of a change in the estimated life of certain fishing rights.

 

Interest Expense. Net interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2004 decreased $0.2 million, or 1.0%, to $19.2 million from $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. This decrease was mainly attributable to a lower average balance on the Company’s revolving credit facility for the current period.

 

Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses), Net. Net foreign exchange gain (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $(2.1) million compared to $8.3 million for the comparable period in 2003. This decrease of $10.4 million was primarily attributable to realized losses on foreign exchange contract settlements, partially offset by unrealized gains recognized during the period related to the time value portion of our financial derivatives designated as hedges. The net realized losses were primarily the result of the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar versus the Japanese yen. The unrealized gains were related to the time value portion of the foreign exchange contracts that result from the interest rate differential between the U.S. and Japan.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from: interest payments due on debt which are expected, based on our current capital structure, to be between $16.0 million and $19.0 million for the last six months of 2004 (exclusive of the amortization of deferred financing costs); scheduled principal repayments on debt of approximately $7.7 million for the last 6 months of 2004, $16.7 million in 2005, $19.5 million in 2006, $33.1 million in 2007, $30.3 million in 2008 and $375.6 million thereafter; capital expenditures, which are expected to be approximately $11.0 million in both 2004 and 2005; potential acquisitions; and working capital requirements arising as a result of the seasonality of our business and as may be needed to support business growth. We expect to fund our liquidity needs primarily with cash generated from operations and, to the extent necessary, through additional borrowings under our revolving line of credit, which matures in 2007.

 

Cash flow from operating activities was $40.0 million and $60.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. This increase was primarily the result of a reduction in working capital during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as measured against the comparative prior year period. This reduction in working capital during the first six months of 2004 was primarily due to favorable timing of roe sales, allowing an increase in collection of accounts receivable as compared to the prior year period, and the sale of larger volumes of inventory held over from the prior year “B” season as compared to June 30, 2003. During the first six months of 2004 our inventories decreased $6.2 million to $38.4 million from $44.6 million as of December 31, 2003. This decrease is the result of the seasonal nature of our business and compares to an increase of $15.8 million during the comparable prior year period.

 

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Cash used in investing activities was $7.8 million and $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. This increase was primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in property, vessels and equipment purchases during the first half of 2004 as compared to the comparable period in 2003 and due to our January 2004 purchase, for $1.8 million, of the remaining minority ownership interest of Pacific Longline Company LLC.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $32.7 million and $51.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. The increase in cash used in financing activities primarily reflects net payments of $29.0 million on our revolving line of credit during the period ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $16.0 million of net borrowings under the line of credit during the comparable prior year period, partially offset by reduced principle payments on long term debt of $15.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to principle payments of $41.3 million during the comparable 2003 period. Our senior credit facility requires us on an annual basis and within 90 days of our year end to make an “excess cash flow payment” as defined in the debt agreement. This payment, if required, is applied to the principal balance of our term debt. Excess cash flow payments were $33.4 million and $8.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

We had $3.6 million of cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2004. We believe that the cash we expect to generate from operations and borrowing capabilities under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements in the foreseeable future.

 

Our liquidity is impacted by unrealized losses sustained by our portfolio of foreign exchange contracts. A majority of these contracts have been executed with a financial institution that requires collateralization of unrealized losses sustained by the portfolio above $17.5 million. At June 30, 2004, collateral against these contracts was $18.5 million, which was comprised of a standby letter of credit in the amount of $17.0 million, and a deposit by an unconsolidated affiliate to the counterparty in the amount of $1.5 million. In order to mitigate our short-term liquidity risks with respect to these collateralization requirements, from time to time we placed standing orders to forward purchase yen should the yen strengthen to certain spot rates. During the first quarter of 2004, three of these standing orders, each with notional amounts of $125.0 million and maturity dates of July 30, 2004 were executed. Two of these contracts were effectively cancelled and one partially offset with no significant cost, gain or loss to the Company. In addition, the Company entered into additional contracts with an aggregate notional value of $137.5 million in July 2004 to further mitigate liquidity risk with maturity dates ranging from September 30, 2004 to March 30, 2006. All of these executed and non-executed contracts are significant and of a shorter duration than our portfolio of foreign exchange contracts and, as a result, could have a significant impact on our short-term liquidity should the yen weaken against the U.S. dollar.

 

Proposed Initial Public Offering. We are pursuing an offering of public equity and debt securities that, if completed, would result in the sale of a significant portion of the equity interests of the Company to American Seafoods Corporation (“ASC”) and the sale of a significant portion of the equity of ASC to the public. As part of these contemplated transactions, all of the Company’s outstanding debt would be repaid, and new debt issued. On August 12, 2004, we announced a postponement of the offering due to market conditions. However, we believe that the postponement is temporary and that efforts to complete the offering will resume in the near term. While we believe that the completion of the offering is probable, there is no assurance that the offering will be completed.

 

Debt Covenants

 

The senior credit facility requires us to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. In addition, the senior credit facility contains certain covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, liens and encumbrances, changes in the nature of our business, investments, dividends and other restricted payments, prepayments of certain indebtedness, certain transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, capital expenditures, mergers and consolidations, sales of receivables and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. Such restrictions could limit our ability to respond to certain market conditions, meet our capital spending program, provide for unanticipated capital investments or take advantage of business opportunities. The indenture governing our 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes due 2010 also imposes similar restrictions on the operation of our business. At December 31, 2003, we held more ocean harvested whitefish product as compared to inventory levels at December 31, 2002 as a result of increased production combined with slower sales during the latter half of 2003. These factors caused an increase in drawings on the existing revolving facility as well as lower EBITDA, which in turn increased our leverage. In response to these circumstances, we obtained an amendment to our senior credit facility debt covenants at a cost of $0.4 million that, among other things, adjusted the required leverage ratio as of December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004. But for this amendment, the Company’s leverage ratio as of December 31, 2003 would have exceeded the levels required to maintain compliance with the leverage ratio covenant under the senior credit facility. As of June 30, 2004, the Company was in compliance with these senior credit facility debt covenants. The Company was also in compliance with the covenants in the indenture governing its 10 1/8% subordinated notes at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004.

 

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Capital Expenditures

 

The majority of our capital expenditures relates to our catcher-processor fleet and includes items such as fishing gear, improvements to vessel factory processing equipment and major scheduled shipyard maintenance. Capital expenditures have been funded from cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facility. Major scheduled shipyard maintenance costs relate principally to our periodic overhauls and replacements performed generally on a three-year cycle. These costs are capitalized and depreciated over the period through the next scheduled major shipyard maintenance session.

 

We estimate that we will have capital expenditure requirements averaging $11.0 million per year over the next five years. For the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, our capital expenditures were $6.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively. This increase is primarily attributable to the timing of major scheduled shipyard maintenance and vessel equipment upgrades. In addition to capital expenditures, we spent $5.7 million and $4.5 million on vessel maintenance, which was expensed during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim condensed financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our critical accounting policies and estimates and base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

Foreign exchange contracts. We record gains and losses on foreign currency transactions following Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Foreign exchange contracts are used to hedge the variability of future cash flows associated with Japanese yen-denominated sales due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The effectiveness of the hedged transactions is measured by changes in spot rates and the gain or loss resulting from the change in time value is recognized currently in earnings. The unrealized gains and losses resulting from the change in spot rates, or the effective portion, are recorded in other comprehensive income. These gains and losses are recognized in revenues when the forecasted sales occur. Gains and losses resulting from the ineffective portion of the hedge, including the time value component of the contract, are recognized currently in earnings.

 

Our profitability depends in part on revenues received in Japanese yen as a result of sales in Japan. During 2003, our Japanese sales represented 24.9% of our total revenues. A decline in the value of the yen against the U.S. dollar would adversely affect our earnings from sales in Japan. Fluctuations in currency are beyond our control and are unpredictable. From January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003, the value of the dollar decreased by 9.9% against the JPY, from 118.64 JPY per USD to 106.91 JPY per USD. Through the first six months of 2004, the value of the dollar increased by 1.9% against the JPY, from 106.91 JPY per USD to 108.94 JPY per USD. While we conduct hedging activities to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations, these hedging activities may not be sufficient to provide complete protection against loss and, accordingly, any such fluctuations could adversely affect our revenues.

 

Acquisitions and pushdown accounting. On January 28, 2000, Centre Partners and others through ASLP acquired our business in a transaction accounted for as a purchase. Accordingly, all of our assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair market values as of the date of the acquisition. In December 2002, we acquired the net assets of Southern Pride and in January of 2004 we acquired the minority ownership interest in PLC. A portion of the net book value of our property and equipment and intangible assets represents amounts allocated to those assets as part of the allocation of the purchase price in the acquisitions. The allocation of the purchase price in a business combination under the purchase method of accounting is subjective. Management is required to estimate the fair values of assets and liabilities as of each acquisition date. The excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. We review the carrying value of goodwill annually and when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable through future operations.

 

The goodwill resulting from the purchase by ASLP as well as from our acquisition of the assets of Southern Pride has been recorded in our financial statements. In addition, expenses incurred by our parent have been recorded in our financial statements to the extent that such expenses related to or benefited our operations.

 

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Southern Pride’s recent operating results have not met our expectations primarily as a result of increased fish costs paid to catfish farmers combined with lower processing yields. Such increased costs and lower yields are generally consistent with recent industry wide trends. We believe these conditions are temporary, and that operating results will not be permanently impacted. However, should these conditions continue, and should operating results continue to fall below management’s current expectations or decline further from present levels, we may conclude that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the Southern Pride assets exceeds their fair value. Under such circumstances, we would be obligated to undertake an interim impairment test of the $7.2 million of goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Southern Pride in 2002. To the extent a goodwill impairment test indicates that the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we would be required to record an impairment charge to our operations for the write down of all or a portion of the recorded goodwill.

 

Cooperative rights. An identifiable intangible asset, cooperative rights, was recorded at its estimated fair value of $138.2 million in connection with the acquisition on January 28, 2000. This estimated fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis by comparing the expected discounted cash flows under the cooperative system to the cash flows under the former Olympic style system, which meant that any vessel licensed to operate in the fishery harvested as much fish as possible until the fishery’s aggregate seasonal quota allocation had been reached.

 

From January 2000 to October 2001, the cooperative rights intangible asset was amortized on a straight-line basis over 59 months, which was the remaining life of the sunset provision in the American Fisheries Act. Beginning in November 2001, as a result of changes to the American Fisheries Act, we changed the life of our cooperative rights to 23.2 years, which matched the average remaining lives of the vessels, as the American Fisheries Act specifies vessels to which the cooperative rights apply.

 

Vessel maintenance. A significant portion of our operations is related to our vessels. On January 28, 2000, the purchase of our vessels was part of the total acquisition. Our vessels were recorded at their fair market values, with approximately 60% categorized as vessel equipment and machinery with an estimated useful life of seven years and approximately 40% as vessel hull with an estimated useful life of twenty-five years. We depreciate these assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

 

We incur expenses to repair and maintain our vessels. Repairs and ordinary maintenance are expensed as incurred, while significant additions and improvements are capitalized. To maintain our Det Norske Veritas class certification, the highest vessel certification in the industry, our vessels must undergo scheduled major shipyard maintenance every three to five years. As a part of this scheduled maintenance, we may also have major vessel components overhauled. The costs for this major shipyard maintenance are capitalized and charged to operations on a pro-rata basis during the period through the next scheduled major shipyard maintenance session.

 

Deferred Costs Related to Initial Public Offering. We defer incremental direct costs relating to the offering of securities to the extent that we expect that completion of the offering is probable and the offering will not be postponed for an extended period (please see Note 10). At June 30, 2004 a total of $13.5 million of offering costs relating to our proposed offering of debt and equity securities are deferred and included on our balance sheet as other long term assets. On completion of the offering, these costs will be recorded as deferred financing costs and amortized over the term of the related debt or recorded against the proceeds of the equity portion of the offering. However, if we conclude that the prospects for completion of the offering are less than probable or if we conclude that the offering will be postponed for an extended period, we will immediately record a charge against operations for the write down of these costs.

 

Equity-Based Compensation. Certain of our employees have equity-based compensation arrangements under which they received options to acquire partnership units of ASLP. We follow the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations including FASB Interpretation No. 44. Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation, an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25 to account for equity-based compensation. The related compensation cost has been pushed down to our financial statements, and the deferred compensation has been recorded as a related party payable. We determine the amount of equity-based compensation recorded under APB 25 based on the excess of the fair value of ASLP’s partnership units above the exercise price of the option on the applicable measurement date, which is generally the date that the number of units subject to the option and the option exercise price become fixed. Since ASLP’s partnership units are not publicly traded, we estimate their fair value based on current operating results and the historical relationship of these results to the sales price of ASLP’s previous equity offerings, comparable industry information, and our expectations with respect to the sales price of our securities in proposed or contemplated future transactions.

 

Valuation Accounts. We have three valuation accounts recorded on our balance sheet. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s estimate of potential losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence. It is our policy to write off accounts as collectibility becomes remote. The allowance for doubtful accounts balance was approximately $0.7 million at December 31, 2003 and $0.5 at June 30, 2004. Total bad debt write-offs for the six months ended June 30, 2004 were less than $0.1 million. We also had an allowance of $2.0 million, which represents approximately 50% of the related balance, recorded at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004 for a receivable due from one of our insurance providers, which filed for bankruptcy in March 2001. In addition, we have established an allowance account related to a receivable from a fuel hedge provider that filed for bankruptcy. This allowance was recorded at $0.2 million at December 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, which represents approximately 80% of the related balance.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market Pricing

 

Prices for certain of our pollock products are subject to variability. For example, the sale of pollock roe is our highest margin business. The price of pollock roe is heavily influenced by the size and condition of roe skeins, color and freshness and the maturity of the fish caught. In addition, pollock roe prices are influenced by anticipated Russian and U.S. production and Japanese inventory carryover, as pollock roe is consumed almost exclusively in Japan. A decline in the quality of the pollock roe that we harvest or fluctuations in supply could cause a decline in the market price of pollock roe, which would reduce our margins and revenues. Average roe prices per kilogram were 2,247 yen, 1,906 yen and 1,778 yen for the years ended 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. In addition, our grade-by-grade roe prices for the 2004 “A” season indicated that roe prices this year were generally in-line with comparable prior year roe prices, although we produced a lower grade mix of roe for the 2004 “A” season as compared to the prior year. While pollock roe prices have experienced volatility in recent years, on a recovery and grade-mix adjusted basis, roe prices have remained relatively stable except in the year 2000, which was an unusual year due largely to market conditions. A decline in the market price of our pollock surimi product could also adversely influence our revenues and margins as pollock surimi is one of our major products. In addition to grade mix, pollock surimi prices are influenced by factors such as Japanese inventory levels and seasonal production from the U.S. and Russian pollock fisheries. Over the past 10 years, our grade-mix adjusted average surimi prices have generally fluctuated within a range of 200 to 300 yen per kilogram. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, our overall average pollock surimi prices fell below the low end of this range reflecting a decline or approximately 25% as compared to the same period in 2003, primarily due to the overall decline in surimi market prices as well as our sales of a greater percentage of lower quality surimi. Average surimi prices per kilogram for our yen-denominated sales, grade-mix adjusted, were 212 yen, 278 yen and 222 yen for the years ended 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

 

Foreign Currency, Interest Rate and Commodity Hedging

 

We are exposed to cash flow and earnings risk from certain changes in the yen foreign currency exchange rate, interest rates and diesel fuel prices. To mitigate the risk related to these factors, we utilize forward currency contracts, interest rate caps and other derivative instruments, principally futures contracts. As of June 30, 2004, we had open foreign exchange contracts maturing through June 30, 2008 with total notional amounts of $603.9 million, including $150.0 million subject to extension agreements.

 

Prior to the acquisition of our business by Centre Partners in January 28, 2000, Aker RGI ASA, or Aker, the parent of Norway Seafoods, had entered into a currency forward transaction with Sparebanken NOR and a forward transaction with Den norske Bank ASA. On January 28, 2000, in connection with the acquisition of our business, Aker entered into an agreement with us whereby Aker is obligated to pay us all amounts less a nominal fee that Aker receives from Sparebanken NOR or Den norske Bank ASA, and we are obligated to pay Aker all amounts that Aker must pay to Sparebanken NOR or Den norske Bank ASA. Aker also had, as of June 30, 2004, exercisable foreign currency options with Sparebanken NOR with total notional amounts of $34.4 million maturing through July 29, 2005. Pursuant to the January 28, 2000 agreement, Aker is obligated to pay us all amounts less a nominal fee that Aker receives from Sparebanken NOR, and we are obligated to pay Aker all amounts that Aker must pay to Sparebanken NOR. These options will become forward foreign currency exchange contracts at our election.

 

In connection with our foreign currency forward exchange contracts, as of June 30, 2004, we also had agreements to extend foreign exchange agreements that expire between March 2006 and December 2007 and between September 2006 and March 2008. These extension agreements would become binding and effective only if the spot rate falls below a pre-specified level (the trigger) on or before December 2005 or March 2006, respectively. If the spot rate does not reach the trigger on or before December 2005 or March 2006, respectively, then neither we nor the counterparty shall have any right or obligation with respect to any of these extension agreements. The trigger for each of these extension agreements is 99.00 JPY per USD and the notional amounts of these extension agreements are $150.0 million.

 

At December 31, 2003, we prepared an analysis to determine the sensitivity of our forward foreign exchange contracts to sell yen, which had total notional amounts of $642.1 million and were staggered over a rolling 48-month timeframe, to changes in exchange rates. A hypothetical adverse yen exchange rate movement of 1% against our forward foreign exchange contracts would have resulted in a potential loss in fair value of these contracts of approximately $6.6 million. All such losses on these forward foreign exchange contracts would be substantially offset by gains on the underlying Japanese yen sales that we have hedged. We have certain collateralization requirements with a bank representing the majority of these contracts. We are required to post collateral if the market value of our forward foreign exchange contracts drops below a certain level. In order to mitigate the liquidity risk related to the impact of strengthening JPY on the foreign exchange portfolio and related collateral agreement, we entered into several foreign exchange contracts to purchase JPY for USD with notional amounts of $125.0 million each, maturity dates of July 30, 2004 and exchange rates ranging from 105.12 JPY per USD to 103.05 JPY per USD. These foreign exchange instruments are considered to be speculative in nature and all realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in operations. Two of these contracts were effectively cancelled at March 31, 2004 and a third was partially offset on April 1, 2004 with no significant cost, loss or gain to us. The net outstanding notional amount at June 30, 2004 was $25.0 million and the unrealized loss on that date was approximately $1.4 million. On July 15, 2004, we entered into additional contracts with notional amounts of $137.5 million to further mitigate liquidity risk. These contracts have exchange rates ranging from 109.30 JPY per USD to 104.80 JPY per USD with maturity dates between September 30, 2004 and March 30, 2006.

 

We enter into fuel hedges whereby we pay a fixed price per gallon and receive a floating price per gallon with the payments being calculated on a notional gallon amount. Our policy is to hedge up to approximately 75% of our next 12 month estimated fuel usage and up to approximately 55% of months 13 through 24 estimated fuel usage. As of June 30, 2004, we had open contracts with national amounts of 4.0 million gallons and

 

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terms through November 30, 2004. The objective of the swap agreements is to hedge the variability of future fuel prices. These instruments are considered to be substantially fully effective and, therefore, substantially all unrealized gains and losses at year-end are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). An adverse change in fuel prices, such as what has occurred in recent months, will not have a material impact on the average fuel price we pay during the term of the open fuel hedge contracts to the extent that our future fuel purchases are hedged. The average hedged price per gallon related to open contracts maturing through November 2004 is lower than comparable market prices per gallon for fuel in 2003 and during the first quarter of 2004.

 

Interest Rates

 

Our senior credit facility requires us to hedge the variable interest rate on a portion of the outstanding senior debt to convert such debt to fixed-rate debt. We are required to enter into hedging transactions such that no less than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the term loans and the senior subordinated notes is effectively fixed rate debt until June 25, 2005.

 

We have interest rate caps with an aggregate notional amount of $93.5 million. The cap rate is 5.0% and the variable rate is the U.S. dollar three month LIBOR. The fair value of these instruments was, in the aggregate, not significant at June 30, 2004. The objective of these agreements is to hedge the variability of future cash flows associated with changes in variable interest rates.

 

In addition to the interest hedges applicable to our senior debt, interest on the existing senior subordinated notes has a fixed rate. Approximately 56% of our total debt effectively has a fixed interest rate or is hedged by interest rate caps as of June 30, 2004. Interest rate changes generally do not affect the market value of floating rate debt but do impact the amount of our interest payments and, therefore, our future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2004. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them to material information relating to the Company that is required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. There were no significant changes in our internal controls during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

General. We are from time to time party to litigation, administrative proceedings and union grievances that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Except as described below, we do not have pending any litigation that, separately or in the aggregate, would in the opinion of management have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. However, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our operating results or cash flows in any particular quarterly or annual periods.

 

On October 19, 2001, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and the Superior Court of Washington for King County. An amended complaint was filed in both courts on January 15, 2002. The amended complaint was filed against us by a former vessel crew member on behalf of himself and a class of over 500 seamen, although neither the United States District Court nor the Superior Court have certified this action as a class action. On June 13, 2002, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the complaint filed in the Superior Court. The complaint filed alleges that we breached our contract with the plaintiff by underestimating the value of the catch in computing the plaintiff’s wages. The plaintiff demanded an accounting of his crew shares pursuant to federal statutory law. In addition, the plaintiff requested relief under a Washington statute that would render us liable for twice the amount of wages withheld, as well as judgment against us for compensatory and exemplary damages, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs, among other things. The plaintiff also alleged that we fraudulently concealed the underestimation of product values, thereby preventing the discovery of the plaintiff’s cause of action. The conduct allegedly took place prior to January 28, 2000, the date our business was acquired by Centre Partners and others through ASLP. On September 25, 2003, the court entered an order granting our motion for summary judgment and dismissing the entirety of plaintiff’s claims with prejudice and with costs. The plaintiff filed a motion for reconsideration of this order that was denied by the court. The plaintiff then appealed the District Court decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal is currently pending. We have not recorded a liability related to this matter as of June 30, 2004 as the outcome is uncertain and the amount of loss, if any, is not estimable. We cannot assure you that the plaintiff will not prevail or that we will not be required to pay significant damages to resolve this litigation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

In 2001 and 2002, we became aware of allegations that certain crew members may have tampered or attempted to tamper with measurement equipment on board one or more of our vessels. The National Marine Fisheries Service conducted an investigation regarding these allegations, and in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, we also conducted an internal investigation regarding these allegations. In 2004, we received additional tampering allegations relating to one of our vessels. We and the National Marine Fisheries Service are currently conducting an investigation regarding these allegations. To date no fines or penalties have been assessed against us in connection with any of these allegations. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters is uncertain.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1— Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Exhibit 31.2—Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Exhibit 32.1—Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Exhibit 32.2—Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

We filed no reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

    AMERICAN SEAFOODS GROUP LLC
Date: August 16, 2004   By:  

/S/ BRAD BODENMAN


       

Brad Bodenman

Chief Financial Officer

Authorized Officer

 

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