<PAGE>
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
[_]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-24439
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HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
----------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Delaware 33-0803204
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
</TABLE>
12621 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, California 92620
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(949) 559-4444
http://www.HinesHorticulture.com
----------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
----------------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
As of March 15, 2000, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held
by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $76.1 million.
As of March 15, 2000 there were 22,072,549 shares of Common Stock
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Proxy Statement to be mailed
to stockholders on or about April 28, 2000 for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on June 1, 2000 are incorporated in Part III hereof by
reference.
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<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This report contains forward-looking statements. Hines desires to take
advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for the express purpose of
availing itself of the protections of the safe harbor with respect to all
forward-looking statements. Several important factors, in addition to the
specific factors discussed in connection with such forward-looking statements
individually, could affect the future results of the Company and could cause
those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking
statements contained herein.
The Company's estimated or anticipated future results, products and service
performance or other non-historical facts are forward-looking and reflect
Hines' current perspective of existing trends and information. These
statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or
quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and
uncertainties include, among others, the continued ability of Hines' to access
water, the impact of growing conditions, risks associated with customer
concentration, future acquisitions and the ability to integrate such
acquisitions in a timely and cost effective manner, the ability to manage
growth, the impact of competition, the ability to obtain future financing,
limitations of leverage and debt restrictions, government regulations and
other risks and uncertainties defined from time to time in Hines' Securities
and Exchange Commission filings.
Therefore, the Company wishes to caution each reader of this report to
consider carefully these factors as well as the specific factors discussed
with each forward-looking statement in this report and disclosed in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as such factors,
in some cases, have affected, and in the future (together with other factors)
could affect, the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy
and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by
the statements expressed herein.
Item 1. BUSINESS
Introduction
Hines Horticulture, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Hines"), produces and
distributes horticultural products through two operating divisions: (1) its
nursery division, Hines Nurseries and (2) its growing media division, Sun Gro
Horticulture ("Sun Gro"). On June 12, 1998, Hines Horticulture became the
successor to the business of Hines Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation
("Holdings"), as a result of the merger of Hines Holdings, Inc. into Hines,
the purpose of which was to change the Company's name and jurisdiction of
incorporation. The business of Hines is currently conducted through Hines
Nurseries, Inc. ("Hines Nurseries") a wholly owned subsidiary of Hines, and
through Sun Gro Horticulture Inc. ("Sun Gro-U.S.") a wholly owned subsidiary
of Hines Nurseries, Sun Gro-U.S.'s wholly owned subsidiary, Sun Gro
Horticulture Canada Ltd. ("Sun Gro-Canada"), and Sun Gro-Canada's direct and
indirect Canadian subsidiaries. Unless otherwise specified, references to
"Hines" or the "Company" refer to Hines Horticulture, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
Hines Nurseries produces approximately 4,100 varieties of ornamental shrubs
and color plants through its 13 nursery facilities located in Arizona,
California, Florida, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
Hines Nurseries sells to more than 1,700 retail and commercial customers,
representing more than 14,700 outlets throughout the United States and Canada.
Sun Gro produces high quality, sphagnum peat moss and professional peat and
bark-based growing media. Sphagnum peat moss is a natural, organic material
that is generally considered the highest quality growing medium available due
to its excellent water and nutrient retention and aeration characteristics.
Sun Gro controls approximately 49,000 acres of peat bogs throughout Canada and
produces peat moss, peat-based mixes and bark-based mixes in 14 facilities
strategically located across Canada and the United States.
2
<PAGE>
History
Ownership
Hines was founded in 1920 by James W. Hines Sr. in San Gabriel, California.
Hines was a family owned business until its acquisition by the Weyerhauser
Company in 1976. Hines was sold in 1990 to a private investment group and
certain members of management. In August 1995, Hines was acquired by Madison
Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P. ("MDCP"), a private equity investment firm and
certain members of management. On June 22, 1998, Hines completed an initial
public offering of 5.1 million shares of its common stock (the "Offering").
Recent Acquisitions
Hines has completed a number of recent acquisitions to expand and diversify
its operations which complement the Company's existing operations and enhance
its product offerings.
The following table sets forth information with respect to these
acquisitions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Purchase
Date Acquired Company Price Location Principal Products
---- ------------------- ------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------
<C> <C> <C> <C> <S>
March 2000 Lovell Farms $92.0 million Florida Color bedding plants
January 2000 Willow Creek $18.8 million Arizona Color bedding plants
September 1999 Atlantic $30.1 million New York and Pennsylvania Flowering potted plants
and color bedding
plants
August 1999 Pro Gro $17.1 million North and South Carolina Bark-based growing media
August 1999 Strong Lite $13.4 million Illinois, Arkansas Bark-based growing media
April 1998 Lakeland $22.4 million Canada, Oregon and Utah Sphagnum peat moss and
Peat Moss, Ltd. peat-based growing
("Lakeland") media
December 1997 Bryfogle's $19.0 million Pennsylvania Color bedding plants
Wholesale, Inc.
and certain
affiliated entities
("Bryfogle's")
October 1997 Pacific Color $ 1.7 million California Color bedding plants
Nurseries, Inc.
("Pacific Color")
November 1996 Flynn $11.7 million California Ornamental plants and
Nurseries, Inc. flowering color plants
("Flynn")
August 1996 Iverson $10.3 million South Carolina Perennial flowers and
Perennial Gardens plants
("Iverson")
January 1995 Oregon $17.6 million Oregon Ornamental, cold-
Garden Products tolerant plants and
("OGP") flowering color plants
June 1993 Sun Gro $48.9 million Canada, Michigan, Texas and Washington Sphagnum peat moss and
peat-based growing
media
</TABLE>
Acquisitions Subsequent to December 31, 1999
On March 3, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire (i)
substantially all of the assets and assume certain liabilities of Lovell
Farms, Inc., and Botanical Farms, Inc.; (ii) the capital stock of Enviro-Safe
Laboratories, Inc.; and (iii) the partnership interest of Lovell Properties
(collectively referred to as "Lovell"). Lovell is a supplier of bedding and
holiday plants to independent garden centers, home centers, mass merchandisers
and other professional customers in the southeastern United States. The total
acquisition price was approximately $92.0 million, which is expected to result
in goodwill of approximately $70 million. In addition, under the terms of the
purchase agreement, the Company may be required to make additional payments of
up to $12.5 million, contingent upon Lovell achieving certain operating
results during 2000 and 2001.
3
<PAGE>
On January 14, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
certain assets (primarily land and buildings) and all of the outstanding
capital stock of Willow Creek Greenhouses, Inc. ("Willow Creek"), a producer
of quality annual bedding plants and holiday plants. The total acquisition
price was approximately $18.8 million, which resulted in goodwill of
approximately $10.5 million.
Acquisitions during the Year Ended December 31, 1999
On August 2, 1999, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement to
acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Strong Lite, Inc. ("Strong
Lite"), a producer and marketer of bark-based growing media. The total
acquisition price was approximately $13.4 million, which resulted in goodwill
of approximately $8.1 million.
On August 23, 1999, the Company acquired certain assets (primarily
inventory and fixed assets) relating to the bark-based growing media business
of Pro-Gro Products, Inc. and related companies ("Pro Gro"). The total
acquisition price was approximately $17.1 million, which resulted in goodwill
of approximately $13.4 million.
On September 9, 1999, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement
to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Atlantic Greenhouses, Inc.
("Atlantic"), a specialized producer of florist quality, flowering potted
plants and annual bedding plants. The total acquisition price was
approximately $30.1 million, which resulted in goodwill of approximately $1.5
million.
Business Overview
Hines Nurseries is one of the largest commercial nursery operations in
North America, producing one of the broadest assortments of container-grown
plants in the industry. Hines Nurseries sells its nursery products primarily
to the retail segment which includes the premium independent garden centers,
as well as the leading home centers and mass merchandisers, such as Home
Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Target. Sun Gro is the largest North
American producer and marketer of sphagnum peat moss and professional peat-
based growing mixes, which it primarily sells to professional customers,
including greenhouse growers, nursery growers and golf course developers. As a
result of both internal expansion and acquisitions, the Company has grown
sales from approximately $50 million in 1992 to almost $278 million in 1999,
representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 28%. Unaudited pro
forma net sales for 1999, after giving effect to acquisitions of Strong Lite,
Pro Gro and Atlantic as if they had occurred on January 1, 1999, would have
been approximately $312 million.
Key Growth Strategies
Expand Production. The Company is experiencing unfulfilled demand from a
number of key nursery customers. Accordingly, the Company plans to continue
expanding its nursery acreage and greenhouse facilities in 2000 in order to
increase production of key product lines (including the color bedding plant
category), and to commercially introduce new plant varieties. By expanding
production at existing facilities, the Company seeks not only to increase
sales volume, but also to leverage its established operating processes and
management, thereby reducing unit costs.
Increase Customer Penetration and Expand Customer Base. With its
strategically-located nurseries and its emphasis on customer service, the
Company has established a national customer base and distribution system for a
wide variety of ornamental plants. The Company is pursuing opportunities to
increase its volume with existing customers by (1) selling to newly opened
outlets of successful "big box" retailers and premium independent garden
centers, and (2) increasing same-store sales by capitalizing on its customers'
continued expansion of lawn and garden floor space with a broader variety of
merchandise, particularly in the color plant category. The Company also
intends to pursue new relationships with other high volume retailers and
premium garden centers. With regard to growing media, management believes that
the demand for value-added peat-based mixes by professional growers is
increasing and that there is a trend among professional growers to outsource
the mixing of these products. Sun Gro intends to further penetrate the
professional market by expanding its offerings of customized value-added mixes
and technical expertise in order to capitalize on this trend.
4
<PAGE>
Pursue Strategic Acquisitions. The Company believes that strategic
acquisitions will continue to play an important role in expanding its
geographic presence and product offerings in both the nursery and growing
media segments. For example, since optimizing production and distribution of
color plants such as holiday crops, annual bedding plants and perennials
requires regional growing capacity, the Company will seek additional
acquisitions of regional color plant growers to expand its nursery network.
The Company will continue to apply its proprietary operating processes to
recently acquired businesses to facilitate integration and improve operating
performance. In the growing media division, the Company will continue to seek
acquisitions of businesses that offer operating synergies and complementary
products.
Hines' Nursery Business
Hines Nurseries produces and markets approximately 4,100 varieties of
ornamental, container-grown plants grown primarily for outdoor use, most of
which are sold under its Hines Nurseries(TM) and Iverson(TM) trade names. Most
of Hines Nurseries' revenues fall into the following variety categories for
the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Product Category Representative Products 1999 1998 1997
---------------- ----------------------- ---- ---- ----
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Evergreens
Broadleafs Azalea, boxwood, camellia, 28% 26% 27%
euonymous, holly
Conifers Pines, spruce, junipers 9% 12% 13%
Barberry, dogwood, forsythia,
Deciduous Plants spirea 7% 9% 13%
Flowering Color Plants
Perennials Daylillies, clematis, 25% 22% 18%
ornamental grasses
Annual bedding plants Marigolds, petunias 15% 14% 11%
Tropical flowering plants Bougainvillea, hibiscus 4% 4% 6%
Holiday plants Easter lilly, poinsettia 3% 3% 1%
Speciality / topiary plants Trellises, bonsais 7% 9% 8%
Other Ferns, trees 2% 1% 3%
--- --- ---
100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
</TABLE>
Since 1993, Hines Nurseries has added numerous plant varieties to its
product line. Recently, Hines Nurseries has aggressively expanded its offering
of flowering color plants. Hines Nurseries has also successfully developed
patio-ready type products, which it markets under the names of Patio
Tropics(TM) and Festival Pots(TM). These products generally command premium
prices and improved profit margins compared with other plants offered by the
Company.
The Company sells its nursery products primarily to the retail segment
which includes the premium independent garden centers, as well as the leading
home centers and mass merchandisers, such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart,
Kmart and Target. The following table sets forth the estimated percentage of
Hines Nurseries' net sales by customer type for the period indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Customer Type 1999 1998 1997
------------- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Home centers.............................................. 41% 37% 32%
Mass merchandisers........................................ 25 26 27
Independent garden centers................................ 17 16 18
Garden center chains...................................... 8 11 11
Re-wholesalers............................................ 7 8 9
Landscapers and others.................................... 2 2 3
--- --- ---
Total................................................. 100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
The Company believes sales to home centers and mass merchandisers have
increased significantly during the past several years as a result of the rapid
growth of this channel of distribution. Management believes the Company enjoys
competitive advantages in selling into this channel due to its ability to
provide a broad assortment of consistently high quality products in large
volumes, its nationwide distribution and its value-added services such as
custom labeling, bar-coding, full electronic data interchange and technical
support. Management expects to participate in the overall growth of this
channel to a greater extent than its competitors that do not offer such
services. Hines Nurseries' top ten customers accounted for approximately 68%,
62% and 58% of Hines Nurseries' net sales in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. Hines Nurseries' largest customer, Home Depot, accounted for
approximately 29%, 20% and 18% of its net sales in 1999, 1998 and 1997,
respectively, and approximately 19%, 14% and 12% of the Company's consolidated
net sales in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Research and Development. Hines Nurseries' product sourcing and development
yield unique plant varieties, which are marketed under a trade name and
patented whenever possible. The Company applies for patents on plant varieties
that are significantly different from existing varieties. Differences among
plant varieties may include coloration, size at maturity or hardiness in
drought or cold conditions. These varieties command higher prices, provide
higher unit margins and enhance the Company's reputation as a product
innovator.
Sales and Marketing. During 1999, most of Hines Nurseries' facilities had
separate sales forces, which included a sales manager, in-house customer
service representatives, direct sales consultants and various support
personnel. As of December 31, 1999, Hines Nurseries employed approximately 186
direct sales consultants, key account managers and merchandisers. National
accounts are serviced through "National Account Task Teams" comprised of a
senior management member and direct sales personnel from each nursery
supplying the account. Hines Nurseries also markets its products through trade
shows, print advertising in trade journals, direct mail promotion and
catalogues.
As of January 2000, the sales forces have been reorganized by region. All
direct sales consultants, account managers and merchandisers report to and
service a specific region.
Competition. Competition in the nursery products segment of the lawn and
garden industry is based principally on breadth of product offering,
consistent product quality and availability, customer service and price. The
nursery products segment is highly fragmented. According to the 1997 Census of
Agriculture released by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service,
the nursery business is comprised of approximately 30,000 primarily small and
regionally-based growers, with the top 100 growers accounting for
approximately 22% of the industry volume. Management believes Hines Nurseries
is one of only two growers able to serve every major regional market in North
America; the Company's only national competitor being Monrovia Nursery
Company. In each of its markets, Hines competes with regional growers such as
Color Spot in the West, Clinton Nurseries in the Northeast, Zelenka Nurseries
in the Midwest, Wight Nurseries in the South and many other smaller regional
and local growers. Hines Nurseries' key competitive advantages are its ability
to provide consistent, high quality products in large volumes, its nationwide
distribution and its value-added services.
Sun Gro Growing Media Products Business
Sun Gro harvests and produces high quality, sphagnum peat moss and
professional bark-based growing mixes. Sphagnum peat moss is partially
decomposed sphagnum moss, a plant whose unique cellular structure consists of
large cavities with sponge-like absorption characteristics for air and water.
Because the optimal balance of air and water is essential for root development
and plant growth, organic sphagnum peat moss is generally considered the
highest quality growing medium available. While there are less expensive
products on the market that are used for similar purposes, such as top soil,
manure, bark, mulch and composts made from yard or sewage wastes, these
products do not contain the superior soil aeration and water and nutrient
retention characteristics of peat moss.
Sun Gro markets peat moss under the Sunshine(TM), Parkland(TM),
Fairway(TM), Black Gold(TM), Lakeland Grower(TM), Alberta Rose(TM),
Nature's(TM) and Gardener's Gold(TM) trade names to both the professional and
retail
6
<PAGE>
markets in four different grades: fine, medium, coarse and super coarse. Fine
grade is typically sold in the retail market, while the other grades,
particularly coarse grade, are sold to professional growers. Capitalizing on
its strong market position in the professional peat moss market, Sun Gro has
become one of the leading North American suppliers of value-added, peat-based
growing media mixes used for specific professional applications such as seed
germination, cutting propagation and greenhouse crop production. With the
completion of the acquisitions of Strong Lite and Pro Gro, Sun Gro has
expanded its leadership position in providing high quality growing media to
the professional markets as well as expanding both its geographical reach and
its product lines. Sun Gro's retail potting mixes use a similar blend of
ingredients as its professional growing mixes, but are specifically targeted
to home gardeners. By highlighting formulations for specific plant varieties,
Sun Gro has expanded its product offerings to the retail customer.
Sun Gro's peat moss and growing media products are sold directly and by
distributors throughout the United States and Canada. Sun Gro also markets its
product internationally through distributors who sell to Mexico and Japan and,
to a lesser extent, other countries in Asia and South America. Peat moss is
sold to both the professional and retail markets, while growing mixes are sold
exclusively to the professional market as potting mixes are to the retail
market. Sun Gro's professional customers consist of greenhouse growers,
nursery growers and golf course developers. Sun Gro's retail customers are
similar to those of Hines Nurseries.
The following table sets forth the estimated percentage of Sun Gro's net
sales by customer type for the period indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Customer Type 1999 1998 1997
------------- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Professional:
Greenhouse growers and vegetable farmers.................. 63% 61% 57%
International/others...................................... 6 7 11
Golf course developers.................................... 5 5 6
--- --- ---
Total Professional..................................... 74% 73% 74%
--- --- ---
Retail:
Home centers and mass merchandisers....................... 10% 17% 18%
Independent garden centers................................ 13 3 5
Garden center chains...................................... 3 7 3
--- --- ---
Total Retail........................................... 26% 27% 26%
--- --- ---
Total Professional and Retail......................... 100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
</TABLE>
Sun Gro's top ten customers accounted for approximately 25%, 26% and 28% of
Sun Gro's net sales in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. No single Sun Gro
customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales in 1999, 1998
or 1997.
Research and Development. Sun Gro's research and development efforts focus
on the creation and development of new value-added growing media mixes for
retail and professional customers. Such mixes often command higher prices and
provide higher profit margins than peat alone. Differences in growing media
may relate to differences in coarseness of peat and amounts of nutrient
additives, including limestone, and other mix constituents, such as perlite,
vermiculite and bark. Sun Gro's research and development efforts have resulted
in the commercial introduction of approximately 35 new growing media products
since 1992.
Sales and Marketing. Sun Gro sells its products on a direct basis and
through a network of approximately 322 distributors located throughout North
America. As of December 31, 1999, Sun Gro's direct sales force was comprised
of approximately 42 employees who are highly trained in the technical
applications of its products. Approximately 56% of Sun Gro's sales are
conducted through the distributor network. Sun Gro's distributor network
provides broad market coverage, reduces credit exposure and distributes
products to smaller growers cost effectively.
7
<PAGE>
Competition. Competition in the peat moss and growing media segment of the
lawn and garden industry is based principally upon product quality,
distribution, service and price. Management believes Sun Gro is one of the
largest producers and marketers of growing media in North America. Sun Gro's
principal competition comes from Premier Canadian Enterprises, Ltd., a
Canadian producer of peat moss, and The Scotts Company, which competes mostly
in the retail growing mix and potting mix markets. Sun Gro's key competitive
advantages are its control over high quality peat moss reserves, its strong
relationships throughout its distributor network and its ability to provide
significant technical support.
Financial Information on the Company's Foreign Operations and Operating
Segments
See Notes 13, 17 and 19 to the Company's consolidated financial statements,
which are included as a separate section of this Report beginning on page F-1.
Seasonality
The Company's nursery business is highly seasonal in nature, with most of
its sales typically occurring in the first half of the year. Sun Gro's
business is more heavily weighted towards the professional markets, which do
not typically experience the large seasonal variances present in the retail
peat market. The table below sets forth the Company's quarterly net sales, as
a percentage of total year net sales, during the year ended December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Total 1999
Quarter Net Sales
------- -------------
<S> <C>
First Quarter.............................................. 22%
Second Quarter............................................. 46
Third Quarter.............................................. 16
Fourth Quarter............................................. 16
----
100%
====
</TABLE>
Patents and Trademarks
The Company has registered numerous trademarks, service marks and logos
used in its businesses in the United States and Canada. In addition, the
Company has developed and continues to develop specialty plants for which it
holds patents registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The
Company currently holds 25 patents with 12 patent applications pending.
Government Regulation
The Company is subject to certain United States and Canadian federal,
state, local and provincial health, safety and environmental laws and
regulations regarding the production, storage and transportation of certain
products and the disposal of its wastes. The EPA and similar state and local
agencies regulate the Company's operations and activities, including but not
limited to water runoff and the use of certain pesticides in its nursery
operations. With respect to its peat moss operations, the Company has various
operating, monitoring and site maintenance obligations, which are prescribed
by various Canadian and U.S. agencies. The Company does not anticipate that
future expenditures for compliance with such environmental laws and
regulations will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. The Company cannot give any assurance,
however, that compliance with such laws and regulations, or compliance with
other environmental laws and regulations that may be enacted in the future,
will not have an adverse effect.
Hines Nurseries obtains certain irrigation water supplied to local water
districts from facilities owned and operated by the United States acting
through the Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation ("reclamation
water"). The use and price of reclamation water, including availability of
subsidized water rates, is governed by
8
<PAGE>
federal reclamation laws and regulations. Hines Nurseries utilizes reclamation
water as one of the water supplies for its Northern California and Oregon
facilities. While the Company believes that the nursery operations are in
compliance with applicable regulations and it maintains a continuous
compliance program, there can be no assurance that changes in law will not
reduce availability of or increase the price of, reclamation water to the
Company.
Employees
As of December 31, 1999, the Company employed approximately 3,250 persons,
including approximately 710 seasonal employees. Of this total, approximately
2,500 were employed by Hines Nurseries, including approximately 460 seasonal
employees (seasonal employment peaked at approximately 1,580 in April), and
approximately 750 were employed by Sun Gro, including approximately 250
seasonal employees (its peak seasonal employment). As of December 31, 1999,
approximately 500 of Sun Gro's employees were employed in Canada. All of Hines
Nurseries' employees are non-union. The non-management employees at Sun Gro's
Canadian peat processing facilities, which vary seasonally in number from
approximately 200 to 300, are represented by various labor unions, with
collective bargaining agreements in effect for all such facilities. Sun Gro's
agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which covers 135
employees at its Manitoba facility, expires in June 2002. Sun Gro's agreements
with the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, which cover 72
employees at Sun Gro's Lameque, New Brunswick facility and 49 employees at its
Maisonnette, New Brunswick facility, expire in December 2000 and August 2001,
respectively. Negotiations for the Lameque contract expiring December 2000 are
expected to begin in October 2000. The Company's management believes labor
relations are good.
9
<PAGE>
Item 2. PROPERTIES
At December 31, 1999 the Company owned approximately 3,300 acres related to
its nursery facilities and approximately 1,800 acres of harvestable peat bogs
in Canada. In addition, the Company leases approximately 1,400 acres related
to its nursery facilities (including leases from Blooming Farm, Inc., an
affiliated entity) and approximately 49,000 acres of harvestable peat bogs in
Canada from provincial governments and various private parties as of December
31, 1999. Sun Gro has historically been able to renew its leases upon
expiration. However, no assurance can be given that Sun Gro will be able to do
so in the future. The Company's management believes that its owned and leased
facilities are sufficient to meet its operating requirements for the
foreseeable future.
The Company's facilities are identified in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Location Description Status
-------- ----------- ------
<C> <S> <C>
Hines Nurseries
Danville, Pennsylvania...................... 150 acre nursery Leased
Fallbrook, California....................... 266 acre nursery Leased (a)
Forest Grove, Oregon........................ 1,106 acre nursery Owned/leased (b)
Fulshear, Texas............................. 450 acre nursery Owned
Irvine, California.......................... 454 acre nursery and Leased
headquarters
Lake Elsinore, California................... 85 acres of undeveloped Leased (a)
land
Newark, New York............................ 37 acre nursery Owned
Northern California (c)..................... 1,445 acre nursery Owned
Pipersville, Pennsylvania................... 60 acre nursery Owned/leased (d)
San Joaquin Valley, California (e).......... 48 acre nursery Owned/leased (f)
Trenton, South Carolina..................... 572 acre nursery Owned/leased (g)
Utica, New York............................. 67 acre nursery Owned
Sun Gro
Seba Beach, Alberta......................... 53,000 square foot Owned/leased (h)
processing and mixing
facility and 11,666
acres of peat bogs
Vilna, Alberta.............................. 61,540 square foot Owned/leased (h)
processing and mixing
facility located on 295
acres and 1,676 acres of
peat bogs
Wandering River, Alberta.................... 2,723 acres of peat bogs Owned/leased (h)
Corrigall Lake, Mallaig, Lobstick, Alberta.. 1,602 acres of peat bogs Owned/leased (h)
and 30 acres of vacant
land
Elma, Manitoba.............................. 73,700 square foot Owned/leased (h)
processing and mixing
facility and 20,352
acres of peat bogs
Julius, Manitoba............................ 39,000 square foot Owned/leased (h)
processing facility and
3,818 acres of peat bogs
Lameque, New Brunswick...................... 50,400 square foot Owned/leased (h)
processing and mixing
facility and 4,454 acres
of peat bogs
Maisonnette, New Brunswick.................. 47,900 square foot Owned/leased (h)
processing facility and
1,029 acres of peat bogs
Quincy, Michigan............................ 83,700 square foot Owned
mixing facility
Terrell, Texas.............................. 55,800 square foot Owned
mixing facility
Surrey, British Columbia.................... 30,000 square foot Leased
depot/storage yard
Iroquois Falls, Ontario..................... 29 acres of vacant land Owned
Matheson, Bingle Lake, Ontario.............. 1,794 acres of peat bogs Owned/leased (h)
Niagara Falls, Ontario...................... 8,000 square foot Owned
depot/storage yard
Montreal, Quebec............................ 33,000 square foot Owned
depot/storage yard
Bellevue, Washington........................ 10,000 square foot Leased
office (headquarters)
Hubbard, Oregon ............................ 24,840 square foot Owned
mixing facility on 7
acres
Fillmore, Utah.............................. 48,400 square foot Owned
mixing facility on 21
acres
Seneca, Illinois ........................... 72,211 square foot Owned
mixing facility on 7.9
acres
Pine Bluff, Arkansas........................ 116,555 square foot Owned
mixing facility on 22.5
acres
Elizabeth City, N. Carolina................. 32,783 square foot Owned/leased (i)
mixing facility on 45.1
acres
McCormick City, S. Carolina ................ 21,600 square foot Owned
mixing facility on 57.75
acres
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
- --------
(a) The lease contains a purchase option that the Company has exercised. The
Company is in negotiations regarding the purchase price, and expects to
consummate the purchase of this property in 2000.
(b) The Company owns 745 acres and leases 361 acres at this nursery.
(c) The Northern California nursery consists of sites in Vacaville and
Allendale, California.
(d) The Company owns 31 acres and leases 29 acres at this nursery.
(e) The San Joaquin Valley nursery consists of sites in Chowchilla and Madera,
California.
(f) The Company owns 38 acres and leases 10 acres at this nursery.
(g) The Company owns 512 acres and leases 60 acres at this nursery.
(h) The Company leases all but 1,792 acres in the aggregate of these peat bogs
from Canadian provincial governments and various private parties. The
Company's peat processing facilities are owned by the Company but, with
the exception of the Vilna peat-processing facility, these facilities are
situated on land leased to the Company by Canadian provincial governments
and various private parties.
(i) The Company owns 21.1 acres and leases 24 acres at this mixing facility.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and
litigation matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. The
litigation process is inherently uncertain and it is possible that the
resolution of these disputes and lawsuits may adversely affect the Company's
financial position. Management believes, however, that the ultimate resolution
of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1999.
11
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.
As a result of the Company's initial public offering on June 22, 1998, the
common stock of Hines trades on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"HORT". As of March 15, 2000, there were 71 registered holders of record of
the Company's common stock. The following table sets forth the quarterly high
and low share price for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 High Low
---- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
1st quarter............................................. $10 3/4 $7 3/8
2nd quarter ............................................ 10 7 1/2
3rd quarter ............................................ 10 1/4 7 7/8
4th quarter ............................................ 10 1/8 7 1/2
<CAPTION>
1998 High Low
---- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
1st quarter............................................. -- --
2nd quarter, (from June 22)............................. $11 3/8 $10 1/2
3rd quarter............................................. 11 1/4 6 7/8
4th quarter............................................. 8 7/8 5
</TABLE>
Hines has not paid dividends on the common stock in the past and does not
presently plan to pay dividends on the common stock. The payment of dividends
is restricted under the terms of the Company's senior credit agreement and
senior subordinated note indenture. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended
December 31, 1999.
12
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following selected historical consolidated financial data should be
read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related
notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31, (a)
-----------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations
Data:
Net sales............... $ 277,650 $ 234,962 $ 201,256 $ 164,323 $ 156,909
Cost of goods sold...... 139,921 115,013 99,407 80,812 72,245
Gross profit............ 137,729 119,949 101,849 83,511 84,664
Operating expenses...... 95,507 82,170 70,408 60,757 58,392
Unusual operating
expenses (b)........... -- -- 343 830 --
Operating income........ 42,222 37,779 31,098 21,924 26,272
Interest expense........ 18,158 20,460 21,805 21,080 17,831
Provision for income
taxes.................. 8,644 6,845 3,516 636 2,850
Income from continuing
operations............. 15,420 10,474 5,777 208 5,591
Income (loss) from
continuing operations
per common share: (c)
Basic................. 0.70 0.32 (0.12) (0.48) 0.06
Diluted............... 0.70 0.32 (0.12) (0.48) 0.06
Weighted average shares
outstanding (d):
Basic................. 22,072,549 15,106,960 7,550,174 7,439,190 3,061,984
Diluted............... 22,072,549 15,353,016 7,550,174 7,439,190 3,061,984
Other Data:
Capital expenditures.... $ 21,819 $ 19,189 $ 10,130 $ 8,752 $ 7,684
Cash paid for income
taxes (e).............. 190 168 161 4 3
Balance Sheet Data (at
end of period):
Working capital......... $ 54,042 $ 51,757 $ 27,548 $ 29,597 $ 42,825
Short-term debt......... 47,480 33,916 48,502 34,254 16,751
Total assets............ 418,781 315,110 268,819 227,515 188,544
Long-term debt.......... 195,677 145,633 160,356 152,769 157,742
Redeemable preferred
stock.................. -- -- 70,682 54,525 31,460
Shareholders' equity
(deficit).............. 74,750 63,322 (71,751) (70,900) (67,798)
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(dollars in thousands)
(a) From January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1999, the Company acquired the
following nine companies: OGP (January 27, 1995), Iverson (August 30,
1996), Flynn (November 27, 1996), Pacific Color (October 20, 1997),
Bryfogle's (December 16, 1997), Lakeland (April 6, 1998), Strong Lite
(August 2, 1999), Pro Gro (August 23, 1999) and Atlantic (September 9,
1999). The financial results include the operations of each acquisition
since its respective acquisition date.
(b) Unusual operating expenses consist of certain severance and other
restructuring costs of $1,537 and $830 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, net
of a $1,194 gain from receipt of insurance proceeds on an involuntary
disposal of fixed assets in 1997.
(c) After deduction of the accrued preferred stock dividends of $5,609,
$6,666, $3,775 and $1,460 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively and minority interest in earnings of
subsidiaries of $3,958 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
(d) All shares and per share amounts reflect a 1.3611-for-one reverse stock
split effected on June 22, 1998.
(e) Hines derives significant benefits under the U.S. federal tax code by
qualifying to use the cash method of accounting and by qualifying under
the "farming exception" to the uniform cost capitalization rules. As a
result, the Company has generally not been required to pay significant
cash income taxes and has generated net operating losses for federal
income tax purposes. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Overview--Tax Matters."
14
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains trend analyses and other
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks
and uncertainties are discussed at "Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the
Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995" on page 2 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
General. Hines is one of the largest commercial nursery operations in North
America, producing one of the broadest assortments of container-grown plants
in the industry. The Company sells its nursery products primarily to the
retail segment which includes premium independent garden centers, as well as
leading home centers and mass merchandisers, such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-
Mart, Kmart and Target. The Company is also the largest North American
producer and marketer of sphagnum peat moss and professional bark-based
growing mixes. The Company sells its growing media products primarily to
professional customers, including greenhouse growers, nursery growers and golf
course developers. The Company believes that sales of its nursery and growing
media products have been positively affected by societal and demographic
trends, such as greater levels of homeownership, the aging of the American
population and the increasing popularity of gardening. Recent trends in the
retail distribution channel, such as the expansion of large "big box"
retailers and their growing emphasis on the lawn and garden category, have
increased consumer exposure to lawn and garden products. Management believes
these trends have favorably impacted the Company and provide excellent
opportunities for improved operating performance.
Seasonality. The Company's nursery business, like that of its competitors,
is highly seasonal. The Company has, and expects to continue to experience
significant variability in net sales, operating income and net income on a
quarterly basis.
Acquisitions. The Company has completed a number of recent acquisitions to
expand and diversify its operations. In the three years ended December 31,
1999, the Company completed six acquisitions, all of which have been accounted
for under the purchase method. Accordingly, the purchase prices were allocated
to certain assets and liabilities based on their respective fair market
values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair market value
of the net assets acquired relating to each transaction was accounted for as
goodwill. Amounts allocated to goodwill are being amortized on a straight-line
basis over thirty-five years. The funds used for the acquisitions were
provided by the Company's existing acquisition facility. The consolidated
financial statements include the operating results of each acquisition from
the date of acquisition.
These acquisitions have and will continue to affect the period-to-period
comparability of the operating results discussed below. The Company intends to
pursue strategic acquisitions from time to time that increase its production
capacity, broaden or complement its existing product lines, expand its
geographic presence or offer operating synergies. The Company believes that
the highly fragmented nature of the nursery industry presents it with a number
of opportunities to make such acquisitions, though the Company does not have
current agreements to consummate any such acquisitions.
Tax Matters. The Company derives significant benefits under the U.S.
federal tax code by qualifying to use the cash method of accounting for
federal income tax purposes. Under the cash method, sales are included in
taxable income when payments are received and expenses are deducted as they
are paid. The primary benefit the Company receives is the ability to deduct
the cost of inventory as it is incurred. As a result of the Company's ability
to deduct its growing costs under the farming exception, the Company has
generally not been required to pay cash income taxes and has generated net
operating losses for federal income tax purposes. In 1999, the Company has
generated taxable income for federal income tax purposes. To the extent
taxable income is offset with net operating loss carry forwards, no cash
federal income tax will be paid apart from a small amount due to
15
<PAGE>
the alternative minimum tax. During the same period, the Company has continued
to show a tax provision relating to the recording of deferred taxes. At
December 31, 1999, the Company had approximately $36.5 million in net operating
loss carry forwards for federal income tax reporting purposes.
Foreign Currency Translation. Prior to April 1, 1999, the Company considered
the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency of Sun Gro's Canadian operations.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars were translated
into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rate in effect as of the balance
sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities, cost of goods sold and
depreciation were remeasured into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates.
Revenues and other expenses were remeasured at average exchange rates. Gains or
losses from these remeasurements were recognized in the consolidated results of
operations.
Effective April 1, 1999, the Company changed the functional currency of Sun
Gro's Canadian operations to the Canadian dollar. In 1998 the Company acquired
Lakeland significantly expanding the scope of its Canadian operations. Since
the acquisition of Lakeland, the Company's Canadian operations have become
increasingly self-sufficient and less dependent upon its U.S.-based parent. As
a result, the Canadian dollar has become the principal operating currency of
Sun Gro's Canadian operations and effective April 1, 1999, the Company changed
the functional currency of Sun Gro's Canadian operations to the Canadian
dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated
into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rate in effect as of the balance
sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the
weighted average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments are
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Results of Operations
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999 compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
1998.
Net sales. Net sales of $277.7 million for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999 increased $42.7 million, or 18.2%, from net sales of $235.0 million
for the comparable period in 1998. The Company's sales of nursery products
increased 16.5%, which included $5.3 million of sales from Atlantic (acquired
on September 9, 1999). Excluding this acquisition, sales from the Company's
nursery operations increased 13.0% from the comparable period in 1998, with the
most significant gains being in the Western and Southern regions due to the
successful leveraging of store service programs, a strategy involving in-store
servicing and merchandising. Increased volumes in 1999 were also attributable
to the successful integration of the Irvine and Fallbrook, California
operations and to a recovery from the adverse effects of El Nino in 1998.
Net sales of the Company's growing media business increased by $17.7
million, or 21.2%, from the comparable period in 1998. Fiscal year 1999 sales
included $6.5 million from Strong Lite (acquired on August 2, 1999) and Pro-Gro
(acquired on August 23, 1999). Excluding these acquisitions, sales increased
13.4% from the comparable period in 1998 from internally generated growth.
These sales gains resulted primarily from a mix line expansion at the Company's
East Coast growing media operations and introduction of the Company's co-
packing strategy to produce retail growing mixes on behalf of regional bagged-
good companies.
Gross profit. Gross profit of $137.7 million for the year ended December 31,
1999 increased $17.8 million, or 14.8%, from gross profit of $119.9 million for
the comparable period in 1998. The increase was primarily attributable to
higher sales at both the Company's nursery and growing media operations as
described above. Gross margins decreased to 49.6% from 51.1% for the comparable
period in 1998, primarily due to the impact of recent acquisitions having lower
gross margins than the existing base business both within the nursery and
growing media operations.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses of $95.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999 increased $13.3 million, or 16.2%, from $82.2 million for the
comparable period in 1998. The increase was primarily
16
<PAGE>
attributable to acquisitions and the significant investment in sales and
management infrastructure required to support the Company's current and future
growth. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 34.4%
from 35.0% for the comparable period in 1998, primarily due to the Company's
ability to leverage operating expenses on higher sales volume.
Operating income. Operating income of $42.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999 increased $4.4 million, or 11.8%, from $37.8 million for the
comparable period in 1998 primarily as a result of sales and related gross
profit increases, offset somewhat by increases in operating expenses. As a
percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 15.2% from 16.1% due
primarily to a decrease in gross margins, as described above.
Interest expense. Interest expense of $17.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999 decreased $2.1 million from $19.5 million for the comparable
period in 1998. The reduction was primarily attributable to the redemption of
$42.0 million of senior subordinated notes with a portion of the proceeds from
the Company's initial public offering of common stock in June 1998.
Provision for income taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate was
35.9% and 39.5% for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
The lower effective tax rate in 1999 was primarily the result of the release
of tax reserves management determined will no longer be necessary.
Net income. Net income of $15.4 million for the year ended December 31,
1999 increased $9.4 million, or 154.1%, from $6.1 million for the comparable
period in 1998. Excluding the $4.4 million extraordinary loss on the early
extinguishment of debt during 1998, net income increased by $4.9 million, or
47.2%, from net income of $10.5 million for the comparable period in 1998. The
increase was primarily attributable to higher sales, higher operating income
and lower interest expense as described above.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998 compared to Fiscal Year Ended December
31, 1997.
Net sales. Net sales of $235.0 million for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1998 increased $33.7 million, or 16.7%, from net sales of $201.3 million
for the comparable period in 1997. The Company's sales of nursery products
increased 19.1%, which included $16.2 million of sales from Pacific Color
(acquired on October 20, 1997) and Bryfogle's (acquired on December 16, 1997).
Excluding these acquisitions, sales from the Company's nursery operations
increased 7.4% from the comparable period in 1997. The higher sales were
primarily due to increased sales in the Eastern and Southern regions of the
country, resulting from continued expansion of existing operations. This
increase was partially offset by lower sales in the Western and Southwestern
regions of the country, particularly in California, where the historically
strong seasonal demand was reduced due to excessive rainfall attributable to
El Nino during the period.
Net sales of the Company's growing media products increased by $9.4
million, or 12.7%, from the comparable period in 1997. Fiscal year 1998 sales
included $11.7 million from Lakeland, acquired on April 6, 1998. Excluding the
Lakeland acquisition, sales decreased 3.1% from the comparable period in 1997.
Sales of growing media products in the western United States were negatively
impacted during the first half of the year by unseasonably wet weather
attributable to El Nino. The Company's strategy of emphasizing sales to
professional customers was reflected in a 3.3%, or $1.8 million, increase in
sales to this customer segment during the period. Likewise, the Company's
strategy to move away from unprofitable and low margin customers resulted in
reduced sales to retail customers of $4.1 million, or 22.0%, compared to 1997.
Gross profit. Gross profit of $119.9 million (51.1% of net sales) for the
year ended December 31, 1998 increased $18.1 million, or 17.8%, from gross
profit of $101.8 million (50.6% of net sales) for the comparable period in
1997. The increase was primarily attributable to higher sales and improved
gross profit from the Company's peat moss operations resulting from the
heightened emphasis on professional customers and pricing improvements in all
professional products. As a percent of sales, gross margin improved by .5% to
51.1% from 50.6% for the comparable period in 1997 as lower nursery operation
gross margins were more than offset by
17
<PAGE>
improved margins in the growing media operations. The gross margins of the
nursery operations were depressed by the newly-acquired companies, which
initially have lower margins than those of the core nursery business. However,
the gross profit and operating performance of recently acquired companies have
generally improved following the installation of Hines' operating systems and
their integration into the Company.
Operating expenses. Operating expenses of $82.2 million (35.0% of net
sales) for the year ended December 31, 1998 increased $11.4 million, or 16.1%,
from $70.8 million (35.2% of net sales) for the comparable period in 1997. The
increase was primarily attributable to acquisitions and the significant
investment in sales and management infrastructure required to support the
Company's current and future growth. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, the
operating expenses of the Company's nursery operations increased 21.7% while
operating expenses of the Company's growing media operation decreased 13.6%.
The increase in operating expenses of the nursery operations was due to higher
selling and general and administrative expenses, related to significant
investments in sales and management infrastructure required to support the
Company's current and future growth. The decrease in operating expenses of the
Company's growing media operations was primarily due to the reduction in
promotional and advertising programs targeted at retail customers resulting
from the shift away from the lower margin retail peat business. Total
operating expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased .2% to 35.0% due
primarily to improved operating leverage at the Company's growing media
operations.
Operating income. Operating income of $37.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998 increased $6.7 million, or 21.5%, from $31.1 million for the
comparable period in 1997. Operating income increased primarily due to higher
sales and gross profit margins, which were partially offset by higher
operating expenses, as described above. As a percentage of net sales,
operating income increased to 16.1% from 15.5% due primarily to improved gross
margins and a reduction in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales.
Interest expense. Interest expense of $19.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998 decreased $1.2 million from $20.7 million for the comparable
period in 1997. The decrease was attributable to lower borrowing levels and
financing costs under the Company's revolving credit facilities during the
third and fourth quarter of the year. Another contributing factor was the
redemption of $42.0 million of senior subordinated notes in connection with
the Company's initial public offering of common stock in June 1998.
Provision for income taxes. The Company's effective income tax rate was
39.5% and 37.8% for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The higher effective tax rate in 1998 was due to the non-deductibility of the
goodwill amortization related to recent acquisitions.
Net income. Net income of $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1998
increased $0.3 million, or 5.2%, from $5.8 million for the comparable period
in 1997. Excluding the $4.4 million extraordinary loss on the early
extinguishment of debt, net income increased by $4.7 million, or 81.4%, from
net income of $5.8 million for the comparable period in 1997. The increase in
net income was primarily attributable to an increase in sales and gross
margins, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, as described
above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has historically satisfied its working capital requirements
through operating cash flow. Due to the highly seasonal nature of the
Company's nursery operations, the company historically borrows under its
revolving credit facilities to fund peak needs.
In conjunction with the Company's initial public offering in June 1998, the
Company entered into a new senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit
Facility") with Bankers Trust Company, Bank of America, N.T. & S.A. and Harris
Trust & Savings Bank. The Senior Credit Facility amended and restated the
Company's previous senior credit facilities to provide for a new $50.0 million
term loan and a $200.0 million revolving credit facility, increasing the
Company's total borrowing capacity by $100.0 million. The revolving credit
facility is comprised of a $100.0 million working capital facility and a
$100.0 million acquisition facility. The Senior Credit Facility has a five-
year term. The revolving credit facility and all other obligations under the
Senior Credit Facility are
18
<PAGE>
secured by substantially all of the assets and common stock of Hines Nurseries
and Sun Gro-U.S., as well as a pledge of 65% of the common stock of Sun Gro-
Canada. The principal repayment schedule for the term loan is $7.0 million in
2000, $11.25 million in 2001, $18.75 million in 2002 and $11.25 million in
2003. The principal repayment schedule for the acquisition facility is $3.98
million in 2000, $6.97 million in 2001, $23.9 million in 2002 and $44.8
million in 2003. The Senior Credit Facility, among other things, limits the
ability of Hines and subsidiaries to pay any dividends.
In connection with the Lovell acquisition on March 3, 2000, the Company
entered into an amendment to its existing senior credit facility (the "Amended
Senior Credit Facility") to provide for a new $100 million term loan and a $15
million increase in the Company's existing working capital revolving credit
facility. The term loan requires annual principal payments of $1 million
through December 31, 2003, $47 million in fiscal year 2004 and the remaining
balance in fiscal year 2005. The term loan and revolving credit facility
interest rate is a percentage spread over the U.S. prime rate and the
Eurodollar rate depending upon the Company's quarterly leverage and interest
rate coverage ratios as defined in the Amended Senior Credit Facility. The
term loan and revolving credit facility are secured by substantially all of
the assets and common stock of the Company's domestic subsidiaries and 65% of
the common stock of its foreign subsidiary. The Lovell acquisition was
financed with proceeds from the Amended Senior Credit Facility.
In October 1995, Hines Nurseries issued $120.0 million in aggregate
principal amount of 11 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2005 (the "Senior
Subordinated Notes") to refinance certain indebtedness incurred in connection
with the acquisition of Hines by MDCP and certain members of management. These
Senior Subordinated Notes were subsequently exchanged in a registered offering
for $120.0 million of its 11 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005, Series
B. As of December 31, 1999, $78.0 million in aggregate principal amount
remains outstanding. The indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated
Notes were issued imposes a number of restrictions on Hines Nurseries and Sun
Gro-U.S. The indenture limits, among other things, their ability to incur
additional indebtedness, to make certain restricted payments (including
dividends to Hines), to make certain asset dispositions, to incur certain
liens and to enter into certain significant transactions. In addition, breach
of a material term of the indenture or any other material indebtedness that
results in the acceleration of such indebtedness would trigger an event of
default under the Amended Senior Credit Facility, causing all amounts owing
thereunder to become immediately due and payable. The Amended Senior Credit
Facility imposes a number of similar and certain additional restrictions
(including financial covenants) on Hines Nurseries and Sun Gro-U.S and its
subsidiaries.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31,
1999 of $20.5 million increased $4.5 million, from $16.0 million for the
comparable period in 1998. The higher cash level generated was primarily due
to increases in net income (and adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities) and accounts payable levels which were
partially offset by increased accounts receivable and inventory levels as a
result of the Company's growth. The seasonal nature of the Company's
operations results in a significant increase in certain components of working
capital (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) during the growing and
selling cycles. As a result, operating activities during the first and fourth
quarters of 1999 used significant amounts of cash, totaling $29.7 million and
$16.5 million, respectively. In contrast, the operating activities for the
second and third quarters generated substantial cash, totaling $43.5 million
and $23.2 million, respectively, as the Company shipped inventory and
collected accounts receivable.
Net cash used for investment activities during the year ended December 31,
1999 increased $44.2 million to $83.0 million from $38.8 million for the
comparable period in 1998. The increase primarily related to the higher level
of acquisitions completed during the year along with a small increase in the
level of fixed asset purchases.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December
31, 1999 increased $42.5 million to $63.3 million from $20.8 million for the
comparable period in 1998. The increase was directly related to additional
advances under the acquisition facility to finance the higher level of
acquisitions completed during the year.
19
<PAGE>
The Company typically draws under its revolving credit facilities in the
first and fourth quarters to fund its inventory buildup of nursery products
and seasonal operating expenses. Approximately 75% of the sales of Hines
Nurseries occur in the first half of the year, generally allowing the Company
to reduce borrowings under its revolving credit facilities in the second and
third quarters. Working capital requirements for the Company's growing media
operations are less seasonal in nature, with slight inventory buildups
generally occurring in the third and fourth quarters. On March 15, 2000, the
Company had unused borrowing capacity of $1.4 million and $30.7 million under
its acquisition facility and working capital revolver, respectively, within
the Amended Senior Credit Facility.
As a result of the Company's ability to deduct its growing costs under the
farming exception, the Company has generally not been required to pay cash
income taxes in recent years and has generated net operating losses for
federal income tax purposes. Even with the benefits of the farming exception,
the Company may nonetheless be required to pay cash income taxes in future
years after use, loss or expiration of its tax net operating loss carry
forwards. Such cash income taxes could also result from increased taxable
income due to, among other reasons, (1) any slowdown in, or elimination of,
future growth in the Company's inventory of growing plants, or (2) limits on
the Company's ability to use net operating loss carry forwards to offset all
of its tax liability under the alternative minimum tax system.
The Company's capital expenditures were approximately $21.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 1999. The capital expenditures for Hines Nurseries
($15.9 million) related primarily to the purchase and development of
additional nursery acreage and the purchase of nursery-related structures,
certain vehicles, machinery and equipment. The capital expenditures for Sun
Gro ($5.9 million) related primarily to peat bog development and the purchase
of peat bog harvesting and processing equipment. The Company's capital
expenditures for 2000 are expected to be approximately $39 million.
Management believes that cash generated by operations and borrowings
available under the Amended Senior Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet
the Company's anticipated working capital, capital expenditure and debt
service requirements for the foreseeable future. However, as a result of its
plan to pursue strategic acquisitions, the Company will likely require
additional debt or equity financing in the future. There can be no assurance
that such additional financing will be available on terms favorable to the
Company, or at all.
Year 2000 Compliance
The Company had instituted a program to determine whether its computerized
information systems were able to interpret dates beyond the year 1999 (the
"Year 2000 Compliance Program") and implemented programming modifications to
its main operational and financial reporting systems that addressed these
issues. The financial systems of companies recently acquired by the Company
were also evaluated to determine whether they were Year 2000 compliant. The
Company has either implemented programming modifications to the financial
systems of these acquired companies or integrated the financial data of these
acquired companies into the Company's main system during 1999 thereby
eliminating the need to rely on any non-compliant systems.
The Company evaluated non-information technology systems and personal
computers to determine whether they were Year 2000 compliant. The Company also
evaluated the Year 2000 status of suppliers where the Company had a
significant reliance on third party suppliers for finished goods, raw
materials, water, other utilities, transportation and a variety of other key
services.
To date, the Company has not incurred any significant failures,
interruptions of supplies or services related to the Year 2000 issue.
The foregoing represents a Year 2000 readiness disclosure entitled to
protection as provided in the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure
Act.
New Accounting Pronouncements
There were no new accounting pronouncements in 1999 which would
significantly impact the Company.
20
<PAGE>
Effects of Inflation
Management believes the Company's results of operations have not been
materially impacted by inflation over the past three years.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As part of its ongoing business, the Company is exposed to certain market
risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange
rates, commodity prices and its common stock price. The Company does not enter
into transactions designed to mitigate its market risks for trading or
speculative purposes. As of December 31, 1999, the Company had no foreign
exchange contracts and options outstanding.
The Company manages its interest rate risk by balancing the amount of its
fixed and variable long-term debt. For fixed rate debt, interest rate changes
affect the fair market value of such debt but do not impact earnings or cash
flows. Conversely, for variable rate debt, interest rate changes generally do
not affect the fair market value of such debt but do impact future earnings
and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant. At December 31,
1999, Hines had fixed rate long-term debt of $78.0 million and variable rate
long-term debt of $127.9 million. Holding other variables constant (such as
foreign exchange rates and debt levels), a one percentage point increase in
interest rates would have decreased the unrealized fair market value of the
fixed rate debt at December 31, 1999 by approximately $3.9 million and would
be expected to have an estimated impact on pre-tax earnings and cash flows for
next year of approximately $1.3 million related to the variable rate debt.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The information in response to this item is submitted as a separate section
of this Report on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
21
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Incorporated by reference to the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference to the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Incorporated by reference to the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Incorporated by reference to the Company's 1999 Proxy Statement to be filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. The financial statements listed in "Index to Financial Statements."
2. The exhibits listed in "Index to Exhibits."
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The Registrant filed no current reports on Form 8-K during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
22
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
<C> <S>
2.1 Acquisition Agreement dated as of July 20, 1995 by and among the
Company, MDCP and Macluan Capital (Nevada) Inc. as amended by
Amendment No. 1 to Acquisition Agreement dated as of August 4,
1995.(1)
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.(4)
3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company.(7)
4.1 Form of certificate representing Common Stock.(4)
4.2 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 26, 1998 among Hines
Nurseries, Inc., Sun Gro Horticulture Canada, Ltd., and Lakeland
Canada Ltd., as borrowers, the lenders listed therein, Bank of
America N.T. & S.A., as syndication agent, Harris Trust & Savings
Bank, as documentation agent, BT Bank of Canada, as Canadian agent,
and Bankers Trust Company, as administrative agent.(5)
4.3 Registration Agreement dated as of June 11, 1998 by and between Hines
Holdings, Inc. and MDCP.(4)
4.4 First amendment to Credit Agreement and Consent, dated as of March 3,
2000, among Hines Nurseries, Inc., Sun Gro Horticulture Canada Ltd.,
as Borrowers, and The Lenders Listed therein, as Lenders, Bank of
America National Trust and Savings Association, as Syndication Agent,
Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Documentation Agent, Deutsche Bank
Canada, as Canadian Agent, and Bankers Trust Company, as
Administrative Agent.(9)
10.1 Stockholders Agreement dated as of August 4, 1995 by and among the
Company and the other parties signatory thereto.(1)
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders Agreement dated as of November 27,
1996.(2)
10.3 Amendment No. 2 to Stockholders Agreement dated as of December 15,
1997.(5)
10.4 Employment Agreement dated as of August 3, 1995 between Hines
Horticulture and Douglas D. Allen.(1)*
10.5 Employment Agreement dated as of August 3, 1995 between Hines
Horticulture and Stephen P. Thigpen.(1)*
10.6 Sun Gro Horticulture Inc. U.S. Executive Supplemental Retirement
Plan.(1)*
10.7 Employment Agreement dated as of August 4, 1995 between Hines
Horticulture and Claudia M. Pieropan.(1)*
10.8 Hines Horticulture Nursery Division Vision 2000 Management Variable
Compensation Plan.(3)*
10.9 Sun Gro Division Management Variable Compensation Plan.(3)*
10.10 Management Stock Agreement dated as of September 29, 1997 by and
between the Company and Stephen P. Thigpen.(2)
10.11 Management Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of September 29, 1997 by
and between the Company and Stephen P. Thigpen.(2)
10.12 Promissory Note dated as of September 29, 1997 from Stephen P.
Thigpen, as maker, to the Company.(2)
10.13 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 4, 1995 by and between
Oregon Garden Products, Inc., as seller, and Blooming Farm, Inc., as
buyer.(1)
10.14 Promissory Note dated August 4, 1995, from Blooming Farm, Inc., as
maker, to Oregon Garden Products, Inc., as seller, and Blooming Farm,
Inc., as buyer.(1)
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
<C> <S>
10.15 Trust Deed, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and
Fixture Financing Statement dated August 4, 1995 from Blooming Farm,
Inc., as trustor, to Ticor Title Insurance Company, as trustee, and
Oregon Garden Products, Inc., as beneficiary.(1)
10.16 Agricultural Lease dated as of June 26, 1998 between Blooming Farm,
Inc., as lessor, and Oregon Garden Products, Inc., as lessee.(7)
10.17 Demand Note dated October 17, 1997 in the principal amount of
$2,500,000 from the Company, as maker, to MDCP.(2)
10.18 Purchase Agreement dated as of December 16, 1997 by and among the
Company, Abbott Capital 1330 Investors I, LP and MDCP.(2)
10.19 Stock Purchase Warrants of the Company dated as of December 16, 1997
in favor of MDCP.(2)
10.20 Amendment No. 1 to Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 1998, by
and among Hines Holdings, Inc., MDCP and Abbott Capital 1330
Investors I, LP.(4)
10.21 Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of February 5, 1998 by and
between the Company and MDCP.(2)
10.22 1998 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.(6)
10.23 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement.(4)
10.24 Stock Purchase Agreement dated September 9, 1999 between Hines
Nurseries, Inc. and those individuals whose names are set forth on
the Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement.(8)
10.25 Purchase Agreement by and among Hines Nurseries, Inc., Lovell Farms,
Inc., Botanical Farms, Inc., Warren W. Lovell III, Jeffrey S. Lovell,
Jenifer E. Moreno, as Trustee of the Trace Lovell Family Investment
Trust and Enrique A. Yanes, Dated as of March 3, 2000.(9)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company.(4)
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP(+)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.(+)
99.1 Press release dated March 6, 2000.(9)
</TABLE>
- --------
+ Filed herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory arrangement.
(1) Incorporated by reference to Hines Holdings, Inc.'s Registration Statement
on Form S-4, File No. 33-99452, filed on November 15, 1995 and amended on
December 22, 1995 and January 8, 1996.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Hines Holdings, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Hines Holdings, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Registration
Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-51943, filed on May 6, 1998 and
amended on May 26, 1998 and June 16, 1998.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Hines Holdings, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999.
(9) Incorporated by reference to Hines Horticulture, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on
March 17, 2000.
24
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 24, 2000.
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
/s/ Claudia M. Pieropan
By: _________________________________
Claudia M. Pieropan
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following person on behalf of the
registrant in the capacities indicated on March 24, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Capacity
--------- --------
<S> <C>
/s/ Stephen P. Thigpen President, Chief Executive
____________________________________ Officer and Director
Stephen P. Thigpen (principal executive
officer)
/s/ Douglas D. Allen Chairman of the Board
____________________________________
Douglas D. Allen
/s/ Claudia M. Pieropan Chief Financial Officer,
____________________________________ Secretary and Treasurer
Claudia M. Pieropan (principal financial and
accounting officer)
/s/ James R. Tennant Director
____________________________________
James R. Tennant
/s/ Ronald A. Pierre Director
____________________________________
Ronald A. Pierre
/s/ Thomas R. Reusche Director
____________________________________
Thomas R. Reusche
/s/ Paul R. Wood Director
____________________________________
Paul R. Wood
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Accountants........................................ F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998............. F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997..................................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997..................................................... F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... F-6
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Hines Horticulture, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations, of shareholders' equity
(deficit) and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Hines Horticulture, Inc. and its subsidiaries at
December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management;
our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance
with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
February 16, 2000, except as
to Note 18 which is as of
March 3, 2000
F-1
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
ASSETS
------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash...................................................... $ -- $ 515
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,444 and $1,224............................ 37,196 26,741
Inventories............................................... 144,915 118,126
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 5,204 2,326
-------- --------
Total current assets.................................... 187,315 147,708
-------- --------
FIXED ASSETS, net of accumulated depreciation and depletion
of $38,455 and $29,221.................................... 169,317 125,417
DEFERRED FINANCING EXPENSES, net of accumulated
amortization of $1,985 and $1,235......................... 3,327 4,077
GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization of $3,872 and
$2,675.................................................... 58,822 37,908
-------- --------
$418,781 $315,110
======== ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 18,282 $ 9,388
Accrued liabilities....................................... 8,618 6,351
Accrued payroll and benefits.............................. 7,402 6,156
Accrued interest.......................................... 4,926 751
Long-term debt, current portion........................... 12,730 3,066
Borrowings on revolving credit facility................... 34,750 30,850
Deferred income taxes..................................... 46,565 39,389
-------- --------
Total current liabilities............................... 133,273 95,951
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT............................................. 195,677 145,633
-------- --------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES...................................... 15,081 10,204
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock
Authorized--60,000,000 shares $.01 par value; Issued and
outstanding--22,072,549 shares at December 31, 1999 and
1998................................................... 221 221
Additional paid in capital................................ 127,938 127,992
Notes receivable from stock sales......................... (173) (326)
Deficit................................................... (49,145) (64,565)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss...................... (4,091) --
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity.............................. 74,750 63,322
-------- --------
$418,781 $315,110
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
F-2
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net.................................. $ 277,650 $ 234,962 $ 201,256
Cost of goods sold.......................... 139,921 115,013 99,407
---------- ---------- ---------
Gross profit.............................. 137,729 119,949 101,849
---------- ---------- ---------
Selling and distribution expenses........... 65,234 56,001 50,233
General and administrative expenses......... 28,835 25,779 20,403
Other operating expenses (income)........... 1,438 390 (228)
Unusual expenses............................ -- -- 343
---------- ---------- ---------
Total operating expenses.................. 95,507 82,170 70,751
---------- ---------- ---------
Operating income.......................... 42,222 37,779 31,098
---------- ---------- ---------
Other expenses
Interest.................................. 17,408 19,453 20,708
Amortization of deferred financing
expenses................................. 750 1,007 1,097
---------- ---------- ---------
18,158 20,460 21,805
---------- ---------- ---------
Income before provision for income taxes.... 24,064 17,319 9,293
Income tax provision........................ 8,644 6,845 3,516
---------- ---------- ---------
Income before extraordinary item............ 15,420 10,474 5,777
Extraordinary item, net of tax benefit...... -- 4,406 --
---------- ---------- ---------
Net income.................................. 15,420 6,068 5,777
Less: Preferred stock dividends and warrant
accretion.................................. -- (5,609) (6,666)
---------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) applicable to common
shareholders............................... $ 15,420 $ 459 $ (889)
========== ========== =========
Basic earnings per share:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item... $ 0.70 $ 0.32 $ (0.12)
Extraordinary item........................ $ -- $ (0.29) $ --
---------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) per common share........ $ 0.70 $ 0.03 $ (0.12)
========== ========== =========
Diluted earnings per share:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item... $ 0.70 $ 0.32 $ (0.12)
Extraordinary item........................ $ -- $ (0.29) $ --
---------- ---------- ---------
Net income (loss) per common share........ $ 0.70 $ 0.03 $ (0.12)
========== ========== =========
Weighted average shares outstanding--Basic.. 22,072,549 15,106,960 7,550,174
========== ========== =========
Weighted average shares outstanding--
Diluted.................................... 22,072,549 15,353,016 7,550,174
========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
F-3
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(Dollars in thousands except for share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock
------------------
Notes Rec. Retained Accumulated Other Shareholders'
Number of Stock Earnings Comprehensive Equity Comprehensive
Shares Amount (i) Sales (Deficit) Loss (Deficit) Income
---------- ------ -------- ---------- --------- ----------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, December 31,
1996.................. 7,513,176 $ 75 $ 5,627 $(192) $(76,410) $ -- $(70,900)
Comprehensive income:
Net income............ -- -- -- -- 5,777 -- 5,777 $5,777
-------
Comprehensive
income.............. $5,777
=======
Net proceeds from
issuance of stock, net
of expenses........... 213,048 2 24 -- -- -- 26
Redemption of stock.... (17,743) -- (24) -- -- -- (24)
Cumulative undeclared
dividends............. -- -- (6,666) -- -- -- (6,666)
Issuance of warrants,
net of discount....... -- -- 210 -- -- -- 210
Notes receivable from
stock sales........... -- -- -- (174) -- -- (174)
---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- ------- --------
BALANCE, December 31,
1997.................. 7,708,481 77 (829) (366) (70,633) -- (71,751)
---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- ------- --------
Comprehensive income:
Net income............ -- -- -- -- 6,068 -- 6,068 $6,068
-------
Comprehensive
income.............. $6,068
=======
Net proceeds from
issuance of stock, net
of expenses........... 5,100,000 51 50,122 -- -- -- 50,173
Preferred stock
conversion............ 8,231,635 82 84,127 -- -- -- 84,209
Promissory note
conversion............ 117,302 2 1,198 1,200
Warrant conversion..... 915,131 9 (1,101) (1,092)
Cumulative undeclared
dividends............. -- -- (5,609) -- -- -- (5,609)
Issuance of warrants,
net of discount....... -- -- 84 -- -- -- 84
Payments received on
notes receivable from
stock sales........... -- -- -- 40 -- -- 40
---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- ------- --------
BALANCE, December 31,
1998.................. 22,072,549 221 127,992 (326) (64,565) -- 63,322
---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- ------- --------
Comprehensive income:
Net income............ -- -- -- -- 15,420 -- 15,420 $15,420
Cumulative foreign
currency translation
adjustments........... -- -- -- -- -- (4,091) (4,091) $(4,091)
-------
Comprehensive
income.............. $11,329
=======
Payments received on
notes receivable from
stock sales........... -- -- -- 153 -- -- 153
Other.................. -- -- (54) -- -- -- (54)
---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- ------- --------
BALANCE, December 31,
1999.................. 22,072,549 $221 $127,938 $(173) $(49,145) $(4,091) $ 74,750
========== ==== ======== ===== ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
- -------
(i) Accumulated accretion of cumulative redeemable preferred stock (in excess)
less than additional paid-in capital
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
F-4
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income................................... $ 15,420 $ 6,068 $ 5,777
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities--
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.... 12,690 10,454 6,407
Amortization of deferred financing costs.... 750 1,007 1,097
Loss on early extinguishment of debt........ -- 7,417 --
Deferred income taxes....................... 8,383 2,232 3,647
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets......... (181) 230 --
Gain on involuntary disposal of fixed
assets..................................... -- -- (1,194)
Other....................................... -- -- (81)
-------- --------- ---------
37,062 27,408 15,653
Change in working capital accounts, net of
effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable......................... (6,734) (1,863) (4,373)
Inventories................................. (20,885) (9,873) (9,495)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets... (2,267) (244) 1,008
Other assets................................ -- -- (322)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.... 13,359 590 297
Other liabilities........................... -- -- (581)
-------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating
activities............................... 20,535 16,018 2,187
-------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of fixed assets..................... (21,819) (19,189) (10,130)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets........... 425 301 154
Proceeds from insurance claims............... -- -- 1,194
Purchase of fixed assets from insurance
claims proceeds............................. -- -- (1,324)
Acquisitions, net of cash.................... (61,585) (19,929) (19,632)
-------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities..... (82,979) (38,817) (29,738)
-------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings on revolving line of credit....... 99,633 174,748 220,188
Repayments on revolving line of credit....... (95,733) (187,000) (206,443)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term
debt........................................ 60,991 85,655 12,000
Repayments of long-term debt................. (1,767) (103,731) (4,910)
Deferred financing costs..................... -- (2,183) (1,223)
Penalty on early payment of subordinated
notes....................................... -- (3,841) --
Repurchase and retirement of stock........... -- -- (75)
Repayments of notes receivables from stock
sales....................................... 153 40 --
Issuance of preferred and common stock....... -- 57,083 9,926
-------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing
activities............................... 63,277 20,771 29,463
-------- --------- ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash...... (1,348) -- --
-------- --------- ---------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH................ (515) (2,028) 1,912
CASH, beginning of period...................... 515 2,543 631
-------- --------- ---------
CASH, end of period............................ $ -- $ 515 $ 2,543
======== ========= =========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized
interest ($467,$709, $0) for the years 1999,
1998 and 1997 respectively.................. $ 13,233 $ 18,921 $ 20,729
Cash paid for income taxes................... $ 190 $ 168 $ 161
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements
F-5
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Hines Horticulture, Inc. ("Hines"), a Delaware corporation, produces and
distributes horticultural products through its two operating divisions, Hines
Nurseries and Sun Gro Horticulture ("Sun Gro"). On June 12, 1998, Hines
succeeded to the business of Hines Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation, as a
result of the merger of Hines Holdings, Inc. into Hines, the purpose of which
was to change the Company's name and jurisdiction of incorporation. The
business of Hines is currently conducted through Hines Nurseries, Inc.
(formerly Hines Horticulture, Inc.) ("Hines Nurseries") and through Sun Gro
Horticulture Inc. ("Sun Gro-U.S.") its wholly owned subsidiary, Sun Gro
Horticulture Canada Ltd. ("Sun Gro-Canada"), and Sun Gro-Canada's direct and
indirect Canadian subsidiaries. Hines, together with Hines Nurseries, Sun Gro-
U.S., Sun Gro-Canada, and Sun Gro-Canada's direct and indirect Canadian
subsidiaries, are hereafter collectively referred to as the "Company."
Hines Nurseries is a leading operator of commercial nurseries in North
America, producing one of the broadest assortments of container-grown plants
in the industry with nursery facilities located in Arizona, California,
Florida, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. Hines
Nurseries sells its nursery products throughout the United States primarily to
the retail segment, which includes premium independent garden centers, as well
as leading home centers and mass merchandisers.
Sun Gro is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of sphagnum peat
moss and professional peat and bark-based growing media with manufacturing
facilities located in Canada and the United States. Sun Gro markets its
products in North America and various international markets to both retail and
professional customers, including greenhouse growers, nursery growers and golf
course developers.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hines and its
wholly owned subsidiaries Hines Nurseries and Sun Gro, including Sun Gro's
wholly owned subsidiary, Sun Gro-Canada. All material intercompany accounts
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company recognizes revenue, net of sales discounts and allowances, upon
product shipment to the customer. The Company is subject to credit risk
primarily through accounts receivable balances. Credit risk on accounts
receivable balances are minimized as a result of the large and diverse nature
of the Company's customer base throughout North America. The Company does not
require collateral for its accounts receivable. Certain customers are granted
deferred payment terms (dating). At December 31, 1999 and 1998, significant
accounts receivable balances were subject to dating terms. Hines Nurseries's
largest customer accounted for approximately 29%, 20% and 18% of its net sales
in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and approximately 19%, 14% and 12% of
the Company's consolidated net sales in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. No
single Sun Gro customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales
in 1999, 1998 or 1997.
Amortization of Deferred Financing Expenses
Deferred financing expenses are being amortized using a method, which
approximates the effective interest method over the term of the associated
financing agreements.
Depreciation and Depletion
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Interest is
capitalized for qualifying assets during the assets' acquisition period. The
amount of interest capitalized for the years ended December 31, 1999,
F-6
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
1998 and 1997 was $467, $709 and $0. Capitalized interest is recorded as part
of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the respective asset's
estimated useful life. Depreciation has been provided for on a straight-line
basis over the following estimated economic useful lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings................................................. 20 to 60 years
Machinery and equipment................................... 2 to 25 years
Vehicles and trailers..................................... 2 to 15 years
Furniture and fixtures.................................... 3 to 5 years
</TABLE>
Bog depletion is based on the volume of peat produced during the year at
rates which will amortize the bog acquisition costs, as well as the initial
bog clearing and development costs, over the period of production of peat from
the bog.
Goodwill and Negative Goodwill
In connection with the sale of the Company in 1990, the Company recorded
$6,100 of negative goodwill. Negative goodwill equals the excess of the fair
market value of the acquired net assets over the acquisition purchase price
after reducing the amount allocated to the fixed assets acquired to zero. The
Company has amortized negative goodwill on a straight-line basis as a
component of other operating expenses over the period from June 29, 1990 to
December 31, 1997.
In connection with the acquisition of the interests of minority
shareholders for stock in the Company in 1995, approximately $14,700 of
goodwill was recorded and is being amortized over a 35-year period as a
component of other operating expenses.
Goodwill is being amortized over an estimated life of 35 years. At each
balance sheet date, the Company reviews the recoverability of goodwill by
comparing projected operating income on an undiscounted basis to the net book
value of the related assets. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds
projected operating income, the carrying value of goodwill is written down to
undiscounted projected operating income.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company annually evaluates its long-lived assets, including
identifiable intangible assets, for potential impairment. When circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, as
demonstrated by the projected undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss
would be recognized based on fair value.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market. Hines' ornamental nursery stock has an average growing period of
approximately eighteen months. All nursery stock is classified as a current
asset based on Hines Nurseries' normal operating cycle.
Foreign Currency Translation
Prior to April 1, 1999, the Company considered the U.S. dollar to be the
functional currency of Sun Gro's Canadian operations. Monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars were translated into U.S.
F-7
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
dollars at the foreign exchange rate in effect as of the balance sheet date.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities, cost of goods sold and depreciation were
remeasured into U.S. dollars at historical exchange rates. Revenues and other
expenses were remeasured at average exchange rates. Gains or losses from these
remeasurements were recognized in the consolidated results of operations.
Effective April 1, 1999, the Company changed the functional currency of Sun
Gro's Canadian operations to the Canadian dollar. In 1998 the Company acquired
Lakeland Peat Moss, Ltd. and certain affiliated entities ("Lakeland")
significantly expanding the scope of its Canadian operations. Since the
acquisition of Lakeland, the Company's Canadian operations have become
increasingly self-sufficient and less dependent upon its U.S.-based parent. As
a result, the Canadian dollar has become the principal operating currency of
Sun Gro's Canadian operations and effective April 1, 1999, the Company changed
the functional currency of Sun Gro's Canadian operations to the Canadian
dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated
into U.S. dollars at the foreign exchange rate in effect as of the balance
sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the
weighted average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments are
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Income Taxes
Hines' operations are agricultural in nature. Hines reports its results for
income tax purposes on the cash basis.
The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach
which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the
financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities at the applicable
enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely
than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized.
Advertising
The Company expenses advertising costs at the time the advertising first
takes place. Advertising expense was $1,372, $1,124 and $1,898 for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income, after
deduction of preferred dividends, by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding in each year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by
dividing net income, after deduction of preferred dividends, by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding plus any potential dilution that
could occur if options, warrants or convertible notes were converted into
common stock in each year.
F-8
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
There is no difference between the numerators and denominators for basic
and diluted earnings per share since common stock equivalents have been
excluded from the earnings per share calculation for fiscal years 1999 and
1997 (in the amounts of 0 and 618 shares, respectively) because the effect
would be anti-dilutive. The only potentially dilutive shares in 1999 related
to stock options (Refer to Note 10 Shareholders' Equity). A reconciliation of
the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for
the year ended December 31, 1998 is as follows (in thousands, except per share
amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, 1998
-----------------------------------
Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
----------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income before extraordinary item....... $10,474
Less: Preferred stock dividends........ (5,609)
-------
Basic EPS
Income (loss) applicable to common
stock................................. 4,865 15,107 $0.32
=====
Effect of Dilutive Securities
Warrants............................... 40 218
Convertible notes...................... 18 28
------- ------
Diluted EPS
Income applicable to common stock plus
assumed conversions................... $ 4,923 15,353 $0.32
======= ====== =====
</TABLE>
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." This SOP provides
guidance on accounting for certain costs in connection with obtaining or
developing computer software for internal use and requires that entities
capitalize such costs once certain criteria are met. The Company adopted SOP
98-1 as of January 1, 1999. There was no material impact in the year ended
December 31, 1999 as a result of the adoption of SOP 98-1.
Comprehensive Income
In 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income"
("SFAS 130"). SFAS 130 established new rules for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements.
Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except
those resulting from investments by and distributions to the Company's
stockholders. The Company's comprehensive income is composed of cumulative
foreign currency adjustments. The adoption of SFAS 130 had no effect on the
Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash
flows.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current
year presentations.
2. Initial Public Offering
On June 22, 1998, the Company completed the issuance of 5.1 million shares
of common stock through an initial public offering ("the Offering"), resulting
in net proceeds to the Company (after deducting issuance costs)
F-9
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
of approximately $50,200. A portion of the proceeds were used to repay, in
part, certain borrowings secured by real property bearing interest at 11.75%
per annum maturing on June 27, 2005. The remaining proceeds were used for the
redemption on July 29, 1998, of $42,000 in aggregate principal amount of the
11.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005, Series B (the "Senior Subordinated
Notes"). The Senior Subordinated Notes were redeemed at a price of 109.139% of
the aggregate principal amount thereof ($45,800 at July 29, 1998), plus
accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of redemption. Payment of
the redemption premium and the recognition of a portion of the deferred costs
related to the Senior Subordinated Notes resulted in an extraordinary loss of
$3,000, net of related income taxes of $2,000, in the quarter ended September
30, 1998.
Concurrent with the closing of the Offering, the Company entered into an
amended and restated senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") to
provide for a new $50,000 term loan and $200,000 revolving credit facility, as
further discussed in Note 7. The revolving credit facility is comprised of a
$100,000 working capital revolver and a $100,000 acquisition revolver. The
Senior Credit Facility replaced the Company's existing senior credit facility
and increased the aggregate size of the Company's borrowing facilities by
$100,000. The prepayment of the previous credit facilities resulted in an
extraordinary loss related to the write-off of unamortized financing costs of
$1,400, net of $1,000 in related income taxes, during the three months ended
June 30, 1998.
In connection with the Offering, on June 22, 1998, Hines effected a 1.3611-
for-one reverse stock split with respect to its common stock which has been
reflected in the accompanying financial statements for all periods presented.
Immediately prior to the Offering, (i) all of the outstanding shares of the
Company's 12% Cumulative Redeemable Senior Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share, and all of the outstanding shares of the Company's 12% Cumulative
Redeemable Junior Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, together, in each
case, with all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon through the date of the
closing of the Offering, were converted into shares of common stock at the
initial public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions,
(ii) a portion of the Company's outstanding 6% convertible subordinated
promissory notes, which were issued in connection with certain acquisitions in
the aggregate principal amount of $1,200, was converted into shares of common
stock at the initial public offering price less underwriting discounts and
commissions, and (iii) all of the outstanding warrants to purchase common
stock were exercised in accordance with their terms. These actions, as well as
the above noted stock split, are collectively referred to herein as the
"Equity Recapitalization".
3. Acquisitions
During the three years ended December 31, 1999, the Company made six
acquisitions, all of which have been accounted for under the purchase method
for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the purchase prices were allocated to
certain assets and liabilities based on their respective fair market values.
The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair market value of the
net assets acquired relating to each transaction was accounted for as
goodwill. Amounts allocated to goodwill are being amortized on a straight-line
basis over thirty-five years. The funds used for the acquisitions were
provided by the Company's existing acquisition facility. The consolidated
financial statements include the operating results of each acquisition from
the date of acquisition.
For the Year Ended December 31, 1999
On August 2, 1999, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement to
acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Strong Lite, Inc. ("Strong
Lite"), a producer and marketer of bark-based growing media. The total
acquisition price was approximately $13,400, which resulted in goodwill of
approximately $8,100.
F-10
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
On August 23, 1999, the Company acquired certain assets (primarily
inventory and fixed assets) relating to the bark-based growing media business
of Pro-Gro Products, Inc. and related companies ("Pro Gro"). The total
acquisition price was approximately $17,100, which resulted in goodwill of
approximately $13,400.
On September 9, 1999, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement
to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of Atlantic Greenhouses, Inc.
("Atlantic"), a specialized producer of florist quality, flowering potted
plants and annual bedding plants. The total acquisition price was
approximately $30,100, which resulted in goodwill of approximately $1,500.
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
On April 6, 1998, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement to
acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Lakeland,
a producer of sphagnum peat moss in western Canada. The total acquisition
price was approximately $22,400.
For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
On December 16, 1997, the Company acquired all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Bryfogle's Wholesale, Inc., Bryfogle's Power
Plants, and Power Plants II, Inc. (collectively "Bryfogle's"), a producer of
color bedding plants sold primarily to home centers and mass merchandisers in
Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The total acquisition price was
approximately $19,000, which resulted in goodwill of approximately $13,800.
On October 20, 1997, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Pacific Color Nurseries, Inc. ("PCN") a producer of
color bedding plants sold primarily to home centers and mass merchandisers in
California. The total acquisition price was approximately $1,700, which
resulted in goodwill of approximately $300.
Acquisition of Willow Creek Greenhouses, Inc.
On January 14, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
certain assets (primarily land and buildings) and all of the outstanding
capital stock of Willow Creek Greenhouses, Inc. ("Willow Creek"), a producer
of quality annual bedding plants and holiday plants. The total acquisition
price was approximately $18,800, which resulted in goodwill of approximately
$10,500.
F-11
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Pro Forma Operating Data
The following summary of condensed unaudited pro forma results of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 gives effect to the
following transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 1998: (i) the
acquisition of Lakeland; (ii) the Equity Recapitalization; (iii) the closing
of the new Senior Credit Facility; (iv) the Offering; and (v) the acquisitions
of Strong Lite, Pro Gro and Atlantic (in thousands, except per share data):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year
Ended December
31,
-----------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Sales, net................................................ $311,810 $282,900
Net Income applicable to common stock..................... 17,212 13,699
Basic earnings per share:
Income per common share................................. $ .78 $ .62
Diluted earnings per share:
Income per common share................................. $ .78 $ .62
</TABLE>
4. Unusual Expenses
During 1997, the Company received $1,194 of insurance proceeds from claims
to replace assets that had been damaged and recorded a gain of $1,194,
representing the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying
amount of the damaged assets. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had
acquired $1,324 of fixed assets utilizing the insurance proceeds.
In December 1996, the Company approved a restructuring plan and recognized
an unusual charge in that year for Sun Gro. An additional liability of $1,537
was recognized during the year ended December 31, 1997, representing $1,100 of
severance-related payments and $437 of other related restructuring charges. As
of December 31, 1998, there was no remaining reserve balance.
5. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Nursery stock............................................. $121,330 $104,085
Finished goods............................................ 10,799 4,818
Materials and supplies.................................... 12,786 9,223
-------- --------
$144,915 $118,126
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
6. Fixed Assets
Fixed assets consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Land...................................................... $ 13,222 $ 11,238
Peat reserves and bog costs............................... 59,031 62,873
Buildings and improvements................................ 72,795 33,955
Machinery and equipment................................... 52,378 40,454
Construction in progress.................................. 10,346 6,118
-------- --------
207,772 154,638
Less-Accumulated depreciation and depletion............... 38,455 29,221
-------- --------
$169,317 $125,417
======== ========
</TABLE>
7. Revolving Lines of Credit
On August 4, 1995, the Company entered into a revolving credit agreement
that, as amended on December 16, 1997, provided for a line of credit equal to
the lesser of $75,000 or a specified percentage of accounts receivable and
inventory. Borrowings under this line were at interest rates approximating the
U.S. prime rate plus 1.5 percent or the Eurodollar rate plus 2.5 percent. The
line of credit was secured by substantially all of the assets and common stock
of Hines Nurseries and Sun Gro-U.S., as well as a pledge of 66% of the common
stock of Sun Gro-Canada. The agreement contained covenants that, among other
matters, established minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios and
minimum earnings and maximum capital expenditure amounts. The average daily
amount of the unused portion of the line of credit was subject to a commitment
fee of 0.5 percent per annum.
On December 16, 1997 the Company entered into another revolving loan
agreement that provided for a line of credit equal to the lesser of $10,000 or
a percentage of accounts receivable and inventory balances, as stipulated in
the agreement. Borrowings under this line were at interest rates approximating
the U.S. prime rate plus 0.75 percent or the Eurodollar rate plus 2.25
percent. The line of credit was secured by substantially all of the assets of
Hines Nurseries. The agreement contained covenants, which, among other
matters, established minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios and
minimum earnings and maximum capital expenditure amounts. The average daily
amount of the unused portion of the line of credit was subject to a commitment
fee of 0.5 percent per annum.
Concurrent with the Offering, the Company entered into the Senior Credit
Facility to provide for a new $50,000 term loan and a $200,000 revolving
credit facility, which replaced the Company's existing senior credit facility
and increased the aggregate size of the Company's borrowing facilities by
$100,000. At December 31, 1999 the revolving credit facility was comprised of
a $100,000 working capital revolver and a $100,000 acquisition revolver.
(Refer to Note 18 Subsequent Events).
After an initial period, the interest rate spread over the U.S. prime rate
and Eurodollar rate varies depending upon the Company's quarterly leverage and
interest coverage ratios as defined in the Senior Credit Facility agreement.
The revolving credit facility and all other obligations under the Senior
Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the assets and common
stock of Hines Nurseries and Sun Gro-US, as well as a pledge of 65% of the
common stock of Sun Gro-Canada. The Senior Credit Facility contains covenants
F-13
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
that, among other matters, establish minimum interest coverage and net worth
and maximum leverage ratios and capital expenditure amounts. After an initial
period, the average daily amount of the unused portion of the revolving credit
facility is subject to a commitment fee that varies depending upon the
Company's quarterly leverage ratio as defined in the Senior Credit Facility
agreement. The revolving credit facility expires on June 30, 2003. Amounts
borrowed under the acquisition facility will convert into a term loan on June
30, 2000 and will begin to amortize thereafter. The weighted average interest
rate on borrowings outstanding under the Company's revolving lines of credit
for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 were approximately 6.7% and
7.7%, respectively.
8. Long-term Debt
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
1999 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Acquisition term loan, interest at the bank's
reference rate (8.5% and 7.75% at December 31,
1999 and 1998, respectively) plus .25% or the
Eurodollar rate plus 1.25%. Principal payments
due from September 30, 2000 through June 30,
2003 ranging from 2.50% to 37.5% of the
outstanding balance as of June 26, 2000, as
specified in the loan agreement................. $ 79,650 $ 19,000
Term debt, interest at the bank's reference rate
(8.5% and 7.75% at December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively) plus .25% or the Eurodollar rate
plus 1.25%. Principal payments due from June 30,
1999 through June 30, 2003 ranging from $1,250
to $11,250, as specified in the loan agreement.. 48,250 50,000
Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, interest at
11.75% payable semi-annually on each June 30 and
December 31, maturing on October 15, 2005....... 78,000 78,000
Other obligations due at various dates through
2004............................................ 2,507 1,699
-------- --------
Less current portion............................. 208,407 148,699
12,730 3,066
-------- --------
$195,677 $145,633
======== ========
</TABLE>
Estimated principal maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December
31, 1999 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2000................................................................ $ 12,730
2001................................................................ 14,969
2002................................................................ 40,770
2003................................................................ 61,678
2004 260
Thereafter.......................................................... 78,000
--------
$208,407
========
</TABLE>
The Senior Subordinated Notes were issued by Hines Nurseries and are
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, on or after
October 15, 2000 at prices specified by the indenture agreement (105.875% as a
percentage of the principal amount thereof in 2000 to 100.000% in 2004). Upon
a change of
F-14
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
control, each holder will have the right to require Hines Nurseries to
repurchase such holder's notes at a price equal to 101 percent of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of
repurchase. The Senior Subordinated Notes are uncollateralized and
subordinated to all existing and future senior debt and unconditionally
guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by Hines and Sun Gro-U.S.
The indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes imposes certain
limitations on the ability of Hines and Sun Gro-U.S. to, among other things,
incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make certain other restricted
payments and consummate certain asset sales.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
The Company leases certain land, office and warehouse facilities under
various renewable long-term operating leases. Certain of these leases include
escalation clauses based upon changes in the consumer price index and/or the
fair rental value of leased land. One of the operating land leases requires
the Company to pay rent equal to the greater of 2.25 percent, increasing to 3
percent by the year 2010, of the sales derived from the related land or a
minimum per acre amount, as defined in the agreement. Total rent expense under
these operating lease agreements for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997 was $1,683, $1,592 and $1,684 respectively.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company's future minimum annual payments under
its non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2000................................................................. $ 4,806
2001................................................................. 4,087
2002................................................................. 3,033
2003................................................................. 2,180
2004................................................................. 1,726
Thereafter........................................................... 11,718
-------
$27,550
=======
</TABLE>
Legal Matters
From time to time, the Company is involved in various disputes and
litigation matters, which arise in the ordinary course of business. The
litigation process is inherently uncertain and it is possible that the
resolution of these disputes and lawsuits may adversely affect the Company.
Management believes, however, that the ultimate resolution of such matters
will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
10. Shareholders' Equity
Stock Option Plan: On June 22, 1998, the Board adopted the 1998 Long-Term
Equity Incentive Plan (the "1998 Stock Plan"). The 1998 Stock Plan provides
for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted
stock, performance awards and any combination of the foregoing to certain
directors, officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The
purpose of the 1998 Stock Plan is to provide such individuals with incentives
to maximize shareholder value and otherwise contribute to the success of the
F-15
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Company and to enable the Company to attract, retain and reward the best
available persons for positions of substantial responsibility. The options are
granted at the fair market value of the shares underlying the options at the
date of grant, generally become exercisable over a four-year period and expire
in ten years.
Approximately 2.6 million shares of common stock are available for issuance
pursuant to the 1998 Stock Plan, subject to adjustment in the event of a
reorganization, stock split, merger or similar change in the corporate
structure of the Company or the outstanding shares of common stock.
The Company adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") in 1998. As permitted by SFAS 123,
the Company measures compensation cost in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinon No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees",
and related interpretations, but provides pro forma disclosures of net income
and earnings per share as if the fair value method (as defined in SFAS 123)
had been applied. Had compensation cost been determined using the fair value
method prescribed by SFAS 123, the Company's net income (loss) and earnings
(loss) per share for the year ended December 31 would have been as follows (in
thousands, except per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Pro forma net income (loss):................................. $13,652 $(352)
Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share.................... $ .62 $(.02)
Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share.................. $ .62 $(.02)
</TABLE>
The Company estimates the weighted average fair value of each stock option
on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
--------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Dividend yield........................................ 0% 0%
Expected volatility................................... 60.7% 50.0%
Risk-free interest rate............................... 5.56% 5.56%
Expected life......................................... Six years Four years
</TABLE>
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plan as of December
31 is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Weighted Average Weighted Average
Shares Exercise Price Shares Exercise Price
--------- ---------------- --------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding as of
January 1.............. 2,043,951 $10.99 -- $ --
Granted................. 376,363 11.00 2,081,600 10.99
Exercised............... -- -- -- --
Cancelled............... (145,844) 11.00 (37,649) 11.00
--------- ------ --------- ------
Outstanding as of
December 31............ 2,274,470 $10.99 2,043,951 $10.99
========= ====== ========= ======
</TABLE>
The weighted average remaining contractual lives were 8.6 and 9.5 years for
the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. As of December 31,
1999 expiration dates ranged from June 22, 2008 to December 30, 2009. The
range of exercise prices was $6.875 to $11.00 for options outstanding as of
December 31, 1999. The weighted average fair value of options granted during
the year ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $4.40 and $4.93, respectively.
There were 774,963 and 267,797 options exercisable as of December 31, 1999 and
1998, respectively with weighted average exercise prices of $10.99 per share.
F-16
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
11. Income Taxes
The components of income (loss) from continuing operations before provision
for income taxes and the provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
----------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before income taxes:
U.S...................................... $ 20,812 $ 17,890 $ 8,321
Foreign.................................. 3,252 (571) 972
----------- ---------- ---------
$ 24,064 $ 17,319 $ 9,293
=========== ========== =========
Current:
Federal.................................. $ 61 $ -- $ --
State.................................... 130 41 10
Foreign.................................. 523 143 --
----------- ---------- ---------
$ 714 $ 184 $ 10
=========== ========== =========
Deferred:
Federal.................................. $ 7,614 $ 5,974 $ 3,345
State.................................... 876 867 698
Foreign.................................. (560) (180) (537)
----------- ---------- ---------
7,930 6,661 3,506
----------- ---------- ---------
$ 8,644 $ 6,845 $ 3,516
=========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
The reported provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by
applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 34 percent to income before
provision for income taxes as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Provision computed at statutory rate... $8,182 $ 5,888 $ 3,161
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State tax, net of federal benefit...... 1,007 605 433
Foreign taxes.......................... 179 (13) (63)
Goodwill............................... 395 349 (93)
Meals and entertainment................ 198 199 113
Reduction in tax reserves.............. (918) -- --
Other.................................. (399) (183) (35)
---------- ---------- ----------
$8,644 $ 6,845 $ 3,516
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred expenses....................................... $ 839 $ 690
Capital loss carry forwards............................. 571 851
Deferred currency loss.................................. 460 1,300
Net operating loss carry forwards....................... 13,630 14,357
Investment tax credit carry forwards.................... -- 298
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment...... 2,700 --
Other................................................... 557 241
Valuation allowance..................................... (571) (2,141)
-------- --------
Gross deferred tax assets............................... 18,186 15,596
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accrual to cash adjustment.............................. (48,171) (41,361)
Fixed asset basis differences........................... (28,184) (19,042)
Investment in foreign subsidiary........................ (2,995) (3,250)
Other................................................... (482) (1,536)
-------- --------
Gross deferred tax liabilities.......................... (79,832) (65,189)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability.............................. $(61,646) $(49,593)
======== ========
Deferred income tax liability, current.................. $(46,565) $(39,389)
Deferred income tax liability, non-current.............. (15,081) (10,204)
-------- --------
$(61,646) $(49,593)
======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company derives significant benefits by qualifying to use the cash
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Under the cash method,
sales are included in taxable income when payments are received and expenses
are deducted as they are paid. The primary benefit the Company receives is the
ability to deduct the cost of inventory as it is incurred. The net benefit
realized by the Company thus far is represented by the "Accrual to Cash
Adjustment" item above. Because the items to which this "Accrual to Cash
Adjustment" relate to are comprised of current assets and current liabilities
in the balance sheet (such as inventory, accounts receivable, accounts
payable, etc.), this deferred tax item is also characterized as current.
At December 31, 1999, the Company had approximately $36,500 in net
operating loss carry forwards for federal income tax reporting purposes. The
Company's federal net operating losses begin to expire in 2005.
At December 31, 1999, Sun Gro-Canada had capital loss carry forwards of
approximately Cdn. $2,121 (U.S. $1,447). These capital loss carry forwards may
be carried forward indefinitely but may only be used to the extent of capital
gains realized by Sun Gro-Canada. A full valuation allowance has been recorded
against the deferred tax asset associated with the capital loss carry
forwards.
During 1999, the Company generated sufficient income to fully utilize the
Canadian investment tax credit and net operating loss carry forwards relating
to the 1996 acquisition of Flynn Rainbow Nurseries, Inc. ("Flynn"). Both items
had a full valuation allowance at December 31, 1998. The release of the
valuation allowance related to the Flynn net operating loss reduced goodwill
by $991.
F-18
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
12. Employee Benefit Plans
Sun Gro sponsors a 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan for salaried and
permanent hourly U.S. employees (the "US Plan") and a Registered Pension Plan
for Canadian salaried and certain hourly employees (the "Canadian Plan").
Participants of the US Plan may make voluntary contributions to the plan up
to 15 percent of their compensation (as defined). The Sun Gro match
contribution formula is based on return on sales for the previous year. The
Sun Gro match contribution to the US Plan may not exceed $3,500 per
participant per calendar year.
Certain participants of the Canadian Plan must make contributions to the
plan up to 5 percent and 3 percent of their compensation (as defined) and may
make voluntary contributions to the plan up to 18 percent of their
compensation (as defined). Sun Gro contributes up to 5 percent and 3 percent
of each participant's compensation (as defined) to the Canadian Plan with no
maximum for the salaried and hourly plans, respectively. The participants
required contributions and employer contributions vary for those employees
under a collective bargaining agreement.
The total expense related to these plans was $444, $0 and $284 for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
13. Segment Information
The Company operates in two business segments in the horticultural
industry: the nursery business and the growing media business. The Company
evaluates the performance of its segments based primarily on operating income.
Refer to Note 19 "Guarantor/Non-guarantor Disclosures" for the required
disclosures about the Company's segments for the three years ended December
31, 1999.
14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities were
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-----------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fair value of assets acquired...................... $74,814 $30,535 $22,069
Liabilities assumed and incurred in connection with
acquisitions...................................... 13,229 10,606 2,437
------- ------- -------
Cash paid.......................................... $61,585 $19,929 $19,632
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
15. Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating its
fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
Cash
The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash approximates its
fair value.
F-19
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
Short-term and Long-term Debt
The fair value of the Senior Subordinated Notes is based on the closing
price of the debt securities at December 31, 1999 and 1998. The carrying
amount of the Company's other long-term debt approximates its fair value based
upon borrowing rates currently available to the Company. The carrying amount
of the short-term debt approximates the fair value based on the short-term
maturity of the instrument.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
-------------------------------------
1999 1998
------------------ ------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
Fair Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
-------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash................................. $ -- $ -- $ 515 $ 515
Short-term debt...................... 34,750 34,750 30,850 30,850
Long-term debt (including current
portion)............................ 208,407 210,747 148,699 155,719
</TABLE>
16. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Activity with respect to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts
receivable is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
----------------------
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning balance.................................... $1,224 $1,193 $1,019
Acquired reserves.................................... 642 -- --
Charges to expense................................... 94 131 474
Amounts written off.................................. (516) (100) (300)
------ ------ ------
Ending balance....................................... $1,444 $1,224 $1,193
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
17. Geographic Information
Geographic information is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended
December 31,
----------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales:
United States
Sales to unaffiliated customers........... $266,020 $221,655 $191,150
Canada
Sales to unaffiliated customers........... 13,334 13,307 10,106
Transfers to other geographic areas........ 19,425 19,758 13,852
Eliminations................................. (21,129) (19,758) (13,852)
-------- -------- --------
$277,650 $234,962 $201,256
======== ======== ========
Operating income:
United States................................ $ 38,202 $ 32,988 $ 28,637
Canada....................................... 4,020 4,791 2,461
Eliminations................................. -- -- --
-------- -------- --------
$ 42,222 $ 37,779 $ 31,098
======== ======== ========
Total assets:
United States................................ $350,022 $241,090 $241,679
Canada....................................... 71,001 75,797 54,174
Eliminations................................. (2,242) (1,777) (27,034)
-------- -------- --------
$418,781 $315,110 $268,819
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Export sales from the United States totaled $7,434, $9,952 and $7,872 for
the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
18. Subsequent Events
On March 3, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire (i)
substantially all of the assets and assume certain liabilities of Lovell
Farms, Inc., and Botanical Farms, Inc.; (ii) the capital stock of Enviro-Safe
Laboratories, Inc.; and (iii) the partnership interest of Lovell Properties
(collectively referred to as "Lovell"). Lovell is a supplier of bedding and
holiday plants to independent garden centers, home centers, mass merchandisers
and other professional customers in the southeastern United States. The total
acquisition price was approximately $92,000, which is expected to result in
goodwill of approximately $70,000. Acquisition related costs related to the
Lovell acquisition are estimated to be $1,000. In addition, under the terms of
the purchase agreement, the Company may be required to make additional
payments of up to $12,500, contingent upon Lovell achieving certain operating
results during 2000 and 2001.
In connection with the Lovell acquisition, the Company entered into an
amendment to its existing senior credit facility (the "Amended Senior Credit
Facility") dated March 3, 2000 to provide for a new $100,000 term loan and a
$15,000 increase in the Company's existing working capital revolving credit
facility. The term loan requires annual principal payments of $1,000 through
December 31, 2003, $47,000 in fiscal year 2004 and the
F-21
<PAGE>
HINES HORTICULTURE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)
remaining balance in fiscal year 2005. The term loan and revolving credit
facility interest rate is a percentage spread over the U.S. prime rate and the
Eurodollar rate depending upon the Company's quarterly leverage and interest
rate coverage ratios as defined in the Amended Senior Credit Facility. The
term loan and revolving credit facility are secured by substantially all of
the assets and common stock of the Company's domestic subsidiaries and 65% of
the common stock of its foreign subsidiary. The Lovell acquisition was
financed with proceeds from the Amended Senior Credit Facility.
19. Guarantor/Non-guarantor Disclosures
The Senior Subordinated Notes issued by Hines Nurseries (the issuer) have
been guaranteed by Hines (the parent guarantor) and by Sun Gro-U.S. (the
subsidiary guarantor). The issuer and the subsidiary guarantor are wholly
owned subsidiaries of the parent guarantor and the parent and subsidiary
guarantees are full, unconditional, and joint and several. Separate financial
statements of Hines Nurseries and Sun Gro-U.S. are not presented and Hines
Nurseries and Sun Gro-U.S. are not filing separate reports under the Exchange
Act because management believes that they would not be material to investors.
The Senior Subordinated Notes are not guaranteed by Sun Gro-Canada or its
present or future subsidiaries.
The following condensed consolidating information shows (a) Hines on a
parent company basis only as the parent guarantor (carrying its investment in
its subsidiary under the equity method), (b) Hines Nurseries as the issuer
(carrying its investment in its subsidiary under the equity method), (c) Sun
Gro-U.S. as subsidiary guarantor (carrying its investment in Sun Gro-Canada
under the equity method), (d) Sun Gro-Canada and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries, as subsidiary non-guarantors, (e) eliminations necessary to
arrive at the information for the parent guarantor and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and (f) the parent guarantor on a
consolidated basis, as follows:
. Consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 1999 and December 31,
1998
. Consolidating statements of operations for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997; and
. Consolidating statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997
F-22
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 1999
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- --------------------------------
Sun Gro
Hines Sun Gro Canada
Horticulture Hines U.S. (Subsidiary Sun Gro
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary Non- Sub- Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Guarantors) total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- ----------- -------- ------------ ------------
ASSETS
------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash...................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Accounts receivable, net.. -- 14,705 19,288 3,203 22,491 -- 37,196
Inventories............... -- 126,272 9,742 8,901 18,643 -- 144,915
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets........... -- 2,460 2,231 513 2,744 -- 5,204
Deferred income taxes..... 24 122 1,018 465 1,483 $ (1,629) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Total current assets.... $ 24 $143,559 $32,279 $13,082 $ 45,361 $ (1,629) $187,315
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Fixed assets, net.......... -- 99,124 12,984 57,209 70,193 -- 169,317
Deferred financing
expenses, net............. -- 3,327 -- -- -- -- 3,327
Goodwill, net.............. -- 36,906 21,206 710 21,916 -- 58,822
Deferred income taxes...... -- 13,606 -- -- -- (13,606) --
Investments in
subsidiaries.............. 81,596 12,874 7,648 -- 7,648 (102,118) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
$ 81,620 $309,396 $74,117 $71,001 $145,118 $(117,353) $418,781
======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ========= ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.......... $ -- $ 9,709 $ 4,751 $ 3,822 $ 8,573 $ -- $ 18,282
Accrued liabilities....... -- 2,567 4,617 1,434 6,051 -- 8,618
Accrued payroll and
benefits................. -- 5,854 702 846 1,548 -- 7,402
Accrued interest.......... -- 4,828 98 -- 98 -- 4,926
Long-term debt, current
portion.................. -- 8,669 1,516 2,545 4,061 -- 12,730
Revolving line of credit.. -- 34,750 -- -- -- -- 34,750
Deferred income taxes..... -- 48,194 -- -- -- (1,629) 46,565
Intercompany accounts..... 6,870 (41,587) 17,863 16,854 34,717 -- --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Total current
liabilities............ 6,870 72,984 29,547 25,501 55,048 (1,629) 133,273
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Long-term debt............. -- 149,775 29,134 16,768 45,902 -- 195,677
Deferred income taxes...... -- 11,300 803 16,584 17,387 (13,606) 15,081
Shareholders' equity
Common stock.............. 221 17,971 11,414 4,500 15,914 (33,885) 221
Additional paid in
capital.................. 127,938 21,362 5,889 1,777 7,666 (29,028) 127,938
Notes receivable from
stock sales.............. (173) -- -- -- -- -- (173)
Retained earnings
(deficit)................ (49,145) 36,004 1,421 5,871 7,292 (43,296) (49,145)
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss....... (4,091) -- (4,091) -- (4,091) 4,091 (4,091)
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Total shareholders'
equity................. 74,750 75,337 14,633 12,148 26,781 (102,118) 74,750
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
$ 81,620 $309,396 $74,117 $71,001 $145,118 $(117,353) $418,781
======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES--(Continued)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 1998
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- -------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro- Sun Gro-
Horticulture Hines U.S. Canada
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sun Gro Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) Sub-total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
------
Current assets:
Cash................... $ -- $ 515 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 515
Accounts receivable,
net................... -- 9,164 14,526 3,051 17,577 -- 26,741
Inventories............ -- 108,235 2,696 7,195 9,891 -- 118,126
Prepaid expenses and
other current
assets................ -- 1,124 558 644 1,202 -- 2,326
Deferred income
taxes................. 32 20 957 963 1,920 (1,972) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Total current
assets.............. $ 32 $119,058 $18,737 $11,853 $ 30,590 $ (1,972) $147,708
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Fixed assets, net....... -- 56,198 6,067 63,152 69,219 -- 125,417
Deferred financing
expenses, net.......... -- 4,077 -- -- -- -- 4,077
Goodwill, net........... -- 37,116 -- 792 792 -- 37,908
Deferred income taxes... -- 14,508 -- -- -- (14,508) --
Investments in
subsidiaries........... 66,188 12,149 12,194 -- 12,194 (90,531) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
$ 66,220 $243,106 $36,998 $75,797 $112,795 $(107,011) $315,110
======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable....... $ -- $ 3,982 $ 1,872 $ 3,534 $ 5,406 $ -- $ 9,388
Accrued liabilities.... -- 1,638 3,637 1,076 4,713 -- 6,351
Accrued payroll and
benefits.............. -- 4,790 718 648 1,366 -- 6,156
Accrued interest....... -- 751 -- -- -- -- 751
Long-term debt,
current portion....... -- 2,066 -- 1,000 1,000 -- 3,066
Revolving line of
credit................ -- 30,850 -- -- -- -- 30,850
Deferred income
taxes................. -- 41,361 -- -- -- (1,972) 39,389
Intercompany
accounts.............. 2,898 (33,577) 13,366 17,313 30,679 -- --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Total current
liabilities......... 2,898 51,861 19,593 23,571 43,164 (1,972) 95,951
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Long-term debt.......... -- 126,633 -- 19,000 19,000 -- 145,633
Deferred income taxes... -- 4,683 3,497 16,532 20,029 (14,508) 10,204
Shareholders' equity
Common stock.......... 221 17,971 11,414 4,500 15,914 (33,885) 221
Additional paid in
capital............... 127,992 21,362 5,889 1,777 7,666 (29,028) 127,992
Notes receivable from
stock sales........... (326) -- -- -- -- -- (326)
Retained earnings
(deficit)............. (64,565) 20,596 (3,395) 10,417 7,022 (27,618) (64,565)
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
Total shareholders'
equity.............. 63,322 59,929 13,908 16,694 30,602 (90,531) 63,322
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------- --------
$ 66,220 $243,106 $36,998 $75,797 $112,795 $(107,011) $315,110
======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
F-24
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES--(Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 1999
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- ------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro Sun Gro
Horticulture Hines U.S. Canada Sun Gro
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sub- Consolidated
Guarantor) (issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- -------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net.............. $ -- $176,842 $89,178 $32,759 $121,937 $(21,129) $277,650
Cost of goods sold...... -- 93,403 47,674 19,973 67,647 (21,129) 139,921
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Gross Profit.......... -- 83,439 41,504 12,786 54,290 -- 137,729
Operating expenses...... -- 54,025 32,716 8,766 41,482 -- 95,507
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income...... -- 29,414 8,788 4,020 12,808 -- 42,222
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Other expenses:
Interest.............. (20) 14,780 1,366 1,282 2,648 -- 17,408
Interest--
intercompany......... -- (1,657) 1,229 428 1,657 -- --
Amortization of deferred
financing expenses,
other.................. (15,408) (5,625) (2,346) -- (2,346) 24,129 750
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
(15,428) 7,498 249 1,710 1,959 24,129 18,158
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Income before provision
for
income taxes........... 15,428 21,916 8,539 2,310 10,849 (24,129) 24,064
Income tax provision
(benefit).............. 8 6,508 2,165 (37) 2,128 -- 8,644
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net income.............. $ 15,420 $ 15,408 $ 6,374 $ 2,347 $ 8,721 $(24,129) $ 15,420
======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES--(Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 1998
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- ------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro-
Horticulture Hines U.S. Sun Gro-Canada Sun Gro
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sub- Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- -------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net.............. $ -- $151,806 $69,849 $33,065 $102,914 $(19,758) $234,962
Cost of goods sold...... -- 78,198 36,182 20,391 56,573 (19,758) 115,013
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Gross Profit........... -- 73,608 33,667 12,674 46,341 -- 119,949
Operating expenses...... -- 45,983 28,304 7,883 36,187 -- 82,170
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income....... -- 27,625 5,363 4,791 10,154 -- 37,779
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Other expenses:
Interest............... 44 17,625 592 1,192 1,784 -- 19,453
Interest--
intercompany.......... -- (1,475) 1,424 51 1,475 -- --
Amortization of
deferred financing
expenses, other....... (6,094) (2,550) (2,945) 151 (2,794) 12,445 1,007
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
(6,050) 13,600 (929) 1,394 465 12,445 20,460
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Income before provision
for income taxes....... 6,050 14,025 6,292 3,397 9,689 (12,445) 17,319
Income tax provision
(benefit).............. (18) 4,104 2,802 (43) 2,759 -- 6,845
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net income before
extraordinary items.... 6,068 9,921 3,490 3,440 6,930 (12,445) 10,474
Extraordinary items, net
of tax................. -- 3,827 124 455 579 4,406
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net income.............. $ 6,068 $ 6,094 $ 3,366 $ 2,985 $ 6,351 $(12,445) $ 6,068
======= ======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 1997
(Dollars in thousands)
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- ------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro-
Horticulture Hines U.S. Sun Gro-Canada Sun Gro
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sub- Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- -------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net.............. $ -- $127,465 $63,685 $23,958 $ 87,643 $(13,852) $201,256
Cost of goods sold...... -- 64,175 33,980 15,104 49,084 (13,852) 99,407
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Gross Profit........... -- 63,290 29,705 8,854 38,559 -- 101,849
Operating expenses...... -- 33,977 30,380 6,394 36,774 -- 70,751
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income....... -- 29,313 (675) 2,460 1,785 -- 31,098
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Other expenses:
Interest............... 39 18,928 708 1,033 1,741 -- 20,708
Interest--
intercompany.......... -- (1,036) 889 147 1,036 -- --
Amortization of deferred
financing expenses,
other.................. (5,800) 1,347 48 310 358 5,192 1,097
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
(5,761) 19,239 1,645 1,490 3,135 5,192 21,805
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
provision for (benefit
from) income taxes..... 5,761 10,074 (2,320) 970 (1,350) (5,192) 9,293
Income tax provision
(benefit).............. (16) 4,274 (239) (503) (742) -- 3,516
------- -------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)....... $ 5,777 $ 5,800 $(2,081) $ 1,473 $ (608) $ (5,192) $ 5,777
======= ======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-26
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES--(Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended December 31, 1999
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- -------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro-
Horticulture Hines U.S. Sun Gro-Canada
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sun Gro Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) Sub-total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash provided by
operating activities.. $ 20 $ 14,673 $ 191 $ 5,651 $ 5,842 $ -- $ 20,535
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Cash flows from
investing activities:
Purchase of fixed
assets, net.......... -- (15,895) (2,380) (3,119) (5,499) -- (21,394)
Acquisitions, net of
cash................. -- (30,630) (30,470) (485) (30,955) -- (61,585)
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Net cash used in
investing
activities......... -- (46,525) (32,850) (3,604) (36,454) -- (82,979)
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Cash flows from
financing activities:
Proceeds from
revolving line of
credit, net.......... -- 3,900 -- -- -- -- 3,900
Intercompany advances
(repayments)......... (173) (3,866) 4,039 -- 4,039 -- --
Proceeds from the
issuance of long-
term debt............ -- 30,500 30,178 313 30,491 -- 60,991
Repayments of long-
term debt............ -- (755) -- (1,012) (1,012) -- (1,767)
Dividends received
(paid)............... -- 1,558 (1,558) -- (1,558) -- --
Repayments of notes
receivables from
stock sales.......... 153 -- -- -- -- -- 153
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Net cash provided by
(used in) financing
activities......... (20) 31,337 32,659 (699) 31,960 0 63,277
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Effect of exchange
rate changes on
cash................. -- -- -- (1,348) (1,348) -- (1,348)
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Net decrease in cash... $ -- (515) -- -- -- -- (515)
Cash, beginning of
year.................. -- 515 -- -- -- -- 515
----- -------- -------- ------- -------- ----- --------
Cash, end of year...... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
===== ======== ======== ======= ======== ===== ========
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES--(Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 1998
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- -------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro-
Horticulture Hines U.S. Sun Gro-Canada
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sun Gro Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) Sub-total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash provided by (used
in) operating
activities............ $ (4,543) $ 3,680 $ 14,486 $ (2,105) $ 12,381 $ 4,500 $ 16,018
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
Cash flows from
investing activities:
Purchase of fixed
assets, net.......... -- (15,814) (679) (2,395) (3,074) -- (18,888)
Acquisitions, net of
cash................. 2,118 (250) -- (21,797) (21,797) -- (19,929)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
Net cash used in
investing
activities......... 2,118 (16,064) (679) (24,192) (24,871) -- (38,817)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
Cash flows from
financing activities:
Proceeds from
(repayments on)
revolving line of
credit............... -- (5,381) (6,871) -- (6,871) -- (12,252)
Intercompany advances
(repayments)......... (52,780) 33,176 (2,193) 21,797 19,604 -- --
Proceeds from the
issuance of long-
term debt............ -- 65,655 -- 20,000 20,000 -- 85,655
Repayments of long-
term debt............ (1,918) (86,212) (101) (15,500) (15,601) -- (103,731)
Deferred financing
costs................ -- (2,183) -- -- -- -- (2,183)
Premium paid on
redemption of Senior
Subordinated Notes... -- (3,841) -- -- -- -- (3,841)
Dividends received
(paid)............... -- 4,642 (4,642) -- (4,642) -- --
Repayments of notes
receivables from
stock sales.......... 40 -- -- -- -- -- 40
Issuance of preferred
and common stock..... 57,083 4,500 -- -- -- (4,500) 57,083
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
Net cash provided by
(used in) financing
activities......... 2,425 10,356 (13,807) 26,297 12,490 (4,500) 20,771
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
Net decrease in cash... -- (2,028) -- -- -- -- (2,028)
Cash, beginning of
year.................. -- 2,543 -- -- -- -- 2,543
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ---------
Cash, end of year...... $ -- $ 515 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 515
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =========
</TABLE>
F-28
<PAGE>
GUARANTOR / NON-GUARANTOR DISCLOSURES--(Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended December 31, 1997
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nursery
Segment Growing Media Segment
--------- -------------------------------------
Hines Sun Gro-
Horticulture Hines U.S. Sun Gro-Canada
(Parent Nurseries (Subsidiary (Subsidiary Sun Gro Consolidated
Guarantor) (Issuer) Guarantor) Non-Guarantors) Sub-total Eliminations Total
------------ --------- ----------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash provided by (used
in) operating
activities............ $(9,858) $ 3,149 $(6,998) $ 6,299 $ (699) $ 9,595 $ 2,187
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Cash flows from
investing activities:
Purchase of fixed
assets, net.......... -- (7,169) (741) (2,066) (2,807) -- (9,976)
Proceeds from
insurance claims..... -- 1,194 -- -- -- -- 1,194
Purchase of fixed
assets from
insurance
claims proceeds...... -- (1,324) -- -- -- -- (1,324)
Acquisitions, net of
cash................. -- (19,632) -- -- -- -- (19,632)
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Net cash used in
investing
activities......... -- (26,931) (741) (2,066) (2,807) -- (29,738)
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Cash flows from
financing activities:
Proceeds from
revolving line of
credit............... -- 12,030 1,715 -- 1,715 -- 13,745
Intercompany advances
(repayments)......... 7 (10,879) 10,893 (21) 10,872 -- --
Proceeds from the
issuance of long-
term debt............ -- 12,000 -- -- -- -- 12,000
Repayments of long-
term debt............ -- (2,160) -- (2,750) (2,750) -- (4,910)
Deferred financing
costs................ -- (966) (257) -- (257) -- (1,223)
Dividends received
(paid)............... -- 6,169 (6,169) -- (6,169) -- --
Repurchase and
retirement of
stock................ (75) -- -- -- -- -- (75)
Issuance of preferred
and common stock..... 9,926 9,500 95 -- 95 (9,595) 9,926
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by
(used in)
financing
activities......... 9,858 25,694 6,277 (2,771) 3,506 (9,595) 29,463
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Net increase (decrease)
in cash............... -- 1,912 (1,462) 1,462 -- -- 1,912
Cash, beginning of
year.................. -- 631 -- -- -- -- 631
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Cash, end of year...... $ -- $ 2,543 $(1,462) $ 1,462 $ -- $ -- $ 2,543
======= ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
F-29
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-58561) of Hines Horticulture, Inc. of our
report dated February 16, 2000, except as to Note 18 which is as of March 3,
2000, relating to the financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K.
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Newport Beach, California
March 27, 2000
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 37,196
<ALLOWANCES> 1,444
<INVENTORY> 144,915
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 187,315
<PP&E> 169,317
<DEPRECIATION> 38,455
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 418,781
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 133,273
<BONDS> 195,677
0
0
<COMMON> 221
<OTHER-SE> 74,750
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 418,781
<SALES> 277,650
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 277,650
<CGS> 139,921
<TOTAL-COSTS> 95,507
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 18,158
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 17,408
<INCOME-PRETAX> 24,064
<INCOME-TAX> 8,644
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 15,420
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 15,420
<EPS-BASIC> $0.70
<EPS-DILUTED> $0.70
</TABLE>
