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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
/X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Fee required)
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No fee required)
For the transition period from ____________ to ___________
Commission File Number: 0-12177
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 75-2632242
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6701 SAN PABLO AVENUE
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 94608
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (510) 547-2395
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
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No .
----- -----
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.
Yes X No
---- ----
Aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates as of March 20,
1998: $22,044,768
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 20, 1998: 18,370,640
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates information by reference from the Registrant's
definitive proxy statement to be filed for its 1998 annual meeting of
stockholders.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
NUMBER
PART I ....................................................... 3
ITEM 1. BUSINESS ........................................ 3
Overview ............................................ 3
Background .......................................... 3
Production .......................................... 4
Marketing and Distribution .......................... 4
Research and Development ............................ 5
Technology Alliances and Acquisitions................ 6
Fresh Produce Proprietary Product Development........ 6
Proprietary Protection .............................. 7
Governmental Regulation ............................. 8
Competition ......................................... 8
Employees ........................................... 9
Controlling Stockholder; Conflicts of Interest ...... 9
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES ...................................... 10
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ............................... 10
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY
HOLDERS.......................................... 11
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY......................... 12
PART II ...................................................... 13
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS ..................... 13
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA ............ 14
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ... 15
Overview ............................................ 15
Results of Operations ............................... 15
Capital Expenditures ................................ 18
Liquidity and Capital Resources ..................... 18
Impact of Year 2000 Issue............................ 19
Disclosures Regarding Forward Looking Statements .... 19
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA .... 22
ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE ....................... 45
PART III ..................................................... 45
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE
COMPANY ........................................ 45
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ......................... 45
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT ................................. 45
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS ................................... 45
PART IV ...................................................... 45
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ......................... 45
FreshWorld Farms-R-, Endless Summer-R-, and Transwitch-R- are registered
trademarks of DNAP or its subsidiaries. Master's Touch-R- is a registered
trademark of certain subsidiaries of DNAP Holding. Premier Seleccion-R- is a
registered trademark that has been licensed to certain subsidiaries of DNAP
Holding by an affiliate. Petoseed-R-, Asgrow-R- and Royal Sluis-R- are
registered trademarks of Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
DNAP Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together with its
subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise, "DNAP Holding" or the
"Company"), was formed in January 1996, and acts as a holding company for (i)
Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized under the laws of the
United Mexican States, of which the Company owns 80.0% ("ABSA"), (ii)
International Produce Holding Company, a Delaware corporation, of which the
Company owns 100.0% ("IPHC"), (iii) DNA Plant Technology Corporation, a
Delaware corporation, of which the Company owns 100.0% ("DNAP"), and (iv) VPP
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, of which the Company owns 100.0%
("VPP"). The Company acquired majority interests in ABSA and IPHC on July 1,
1996, by means of a capital contribution from Bionova S.A. de C.V. ("Bionova
Mexico"), and on October 7, 1997, acquired all of the minority interests in
IPHC and increased its ownership interest in ABSA to 80.0%. DNAP became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on September 26, 1996, as a result of
the merger (the "Merger") of Bionova Acquisition, Inc., a Delaware
corporation that was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, with and into
DNAP. VPP was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on August
18, 1997. Approximately 70% of the outstanding common stock of the Company
is indirectly owned by Empresas La Moderna, S.A. de C.V. ("ELM").
ABSA engages in the business of growing fresh fruits and vegetables,
primarily tomatoes and peppers, in Mexico and exporting fresh produce to the
United States and other markets. ABSA owns a 50.01% interest in Interfruver
de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized under the laws of the United
Mexican States ("Interfruver"), which engages in the business of marketing
and distributing fresh produce in Mexico, including fruits and vegetables
produced by ABSA. ABSA also owns 98.0% of Siembra Cultivo y Cosecha del
Noroeste, S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized under the laws of the United
Mexican States ("Siembra"), which provides labor and administrative services
to ABSA. IPHC is a holding company whose subsidiaries are in the business of
marketing and distributing fresh produce primarily in the United States and
Canada, including fruits and vegetables produced by ABSA. DNAP is an
agribusiness biotechnology company focused on the development and application
of genetic engineering and transformation technologies in plants and,
together with its subsidiaries (including FreshWorld Farms, Inc.), the
development and marketing of premium, differentiated, fresh and processed,
branded fruits and vegetables. VPP, the Company's most recently formed
subsidiary, is an agribusiness biotechnology company focused on the
development and application of genetic engineering and transformation
technologies in vegetatively propagated plants.
The corporate headquarters of the Company are located at 6701 San Pablo
Avenue, Oakland, California 94608, and the telephone number is (510) 547-2395.
BACKGROUND
ELM, the Company's indirect 70% owner, is a holding company. ELM owns
92% of Seminis, Inc. ("Seminis"), the leading vegetable seed company in the
world. ELM's subsidiary, Empaques Ponderosa, S.A. de C.V., is the leading
producer of folding boxboard and folding and flexible packaging in Mexico.
Through its Bionova Mexico subsidiary, ELM entered the fresh produce
industry in 1993 by agreeing to a series of business relationships with Raul
Batiz Echavarria and members of his family (the "Batiz Family"). In February
1993, Bionova Mexico and the Batiz Family established ABSA, to which the
Batiz Family transferred land and other assets used for growing and packing
fresh produce. Bionova Mexico and the Batiz Family then negotiated the
structure of their joint ownership of the Batiz Family's fresh produce
distribution business. In December 1994, this relationship was formalized
with the organization of IPHC. In 1997, DNAP Holding purchased all of the
minority interests held by the Batiz family in IPHC, and together with
Bionova Mexico, acquired the Batiz family interests in ABSA.
Significant market developments over the past four years have included
the continuation of market deregulation in Mexico, the passage of the North
American Free Trade Agreement which codifies low tariff levels
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for certain goods traded among Mexico, the United States and Canada, the
Suspension Agreement adopted in 1996 that sets a floor price on tomatoes
entering the United States at 20.68 cents per pound ($5.17 per box), and a
growing market for fresh produce in the United States. The Company believes
that the deregulation in Mexico, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and
the Suspension Agreement all have been of benefit to the Company's strategic
direction and operations. The Company further believes there is potential
for growth in the U.S. market both for commodity fresh produce and for
branded produce that can command a premium price on a sustained basis,
provided it consistently meets consumer expectations for taste, appearance,
texture, freshness and quality. Product and regional diversification have
enabled the Company to establish a strong commercial offering of quality
year-round supply under the "Master's Touch" and "Premier Seleccion"
trademarks.
PRODUCTION
ABSA is a leading grower of fresh produce in Mexico, primarily tomatoes
and peppers and, to a lesser extent, melons, cucumbers, grapes and other
fruits and vegetables. Most of ABSA's farming operations are located in the
Mexican states of Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California. Advanced technology
is used to ensure consistent quality and yields, including special hybrid
varieties, integrated pest management control, greenhouse production and
computerized drip irrigation. ABSA's produce is distributed in the United
States, Mexico and Canada under the "Master's Touch" and "Premier Seleccion"
brands as well as other labels, depending on produce grades.
ABSA's supply derives from (i) produce grown on land owned or leased by
ABSA, (ii) produce grown by producers with whom ABSA enters into a
distribution contract and (iii) produce grown by producers with whom ABSA
enters into both a production association agreement and a distribution
contract. When ABSA enters into a distribution contract only, it agrees to
provide the grower limited financial assistance for harvesting and packing in
exchange for exclusive distribution rights. ABSA does not share any of the
growing risk under these distribution contracts. When ABSA enters into a
production association agreement, ABSA finances up to 100% of the production
cost in a joint venture with the grower. ABSA provides technical support and
agrees to handle the distribution. Net proceeds are shared according to the
terms of the association agreement after ABSA recoups its investment.
In 1997, approximately 48% of ABSA's supply was sourced from production
associations with growers. The majority of these growers are located in the
states of Baja California Norte and Sonora. Almost 52% of ABSA's supply in
1997 came from land owned or leased by ABSA. ABSA owns approximately 2,905
acres in Sinaloa and Sonora, and ABSA leases approximately 2,653 acres in
Sinaloa and Baja California Sur. During 1997, a very limited amount of
produce was sourced through distribution contracts.
In 1997, approximately 47% of ABSA's sales was tomatoes, 32% was
peppers, 11% was cucumbers, 4% was grapes and the remaining 6% was melons and
mixed vegetables. In 1996 and 1995, respectively, ABSA's sales were
allocated approximately as follows: tomatoes - 49% and 52%, peppers - 26%
and 26%, cucumbers - 15% and 6%, and grapes, melons and mixed vegetables
(including eggplant and squash) - 10% and 13%.
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company's marketing and distribution activities are carried out by a
network of national and regional distributors. The Company's national
distributors are R.B. Packing in the United States (including R.B. Packing,
Inc., R.B. Packing of California, Inc. and R.B. Packing of Texas, Inc., each
of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of IPHC, and referred to collectively
as "R.B. Packing"), and Interfruver in Mexico. The Company's regional
distributors are Tanimura Distributing, Inc. in Los Angeles, California
("TDI"), Premier Fruits and Vegetables BBL Inc. in Montreal, Quebec
("Premier"), and FreshWorld Farms, Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ("FWF").
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS. The R.B. Packing companies had revenues of $62
million in 1997. The majority of R.B. Packing's sales were made by R.B.
Packing, Inc. which is located in Nogales, Arizona, the main point of entry
for Mexican produce into the United States. Approximately 92% of the produce
distributed by R.B. Packing, Inc. is provided by ABSA (including produce
grown by ABSA and produce grown by growers with whom ABSA enters into
distribution contracts and/or production arrangements). No single customer
accounted for more than 10% of
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R.B. Packing, Inc.'s sales in 1997. In 1997, its sales were 33% to
supermarkets, 39% to wholesalers and 28% to brokers. Its main selling season
is December through May.
R.B. Packing of California, Inc. is located in San Diego, California and
distributes produce grown in California and the Mexican states of Baja
California Norte and Baja California Sur. In 1997, its sales were 22% to
supermarkets, 53% to wholesalers, and 25% to brokers. Its main selling
season is July through November. R.B. Packing of Texas, Inc. is a
distributor located in McAllen, Texas that began operations in the Fall of
1995. R.B. Packing of Texas, Inc. distributes produce grown in Mexico.
Interfruver is one of Mexico's largest fresh produce distributors.
Based in Guadalajara, Interfruver distributes produce from ABSA and other
Mexican producers. Interfruver also imports produce from the United States
and other countries. Approximately 84% of its sales is to wholesalers and
other intermediaries and 16% is to supermarkets. Interfruver's sales totaled
$72 million in 1997.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTORS. TDI, a 75%-owned subsidiary of IPHC, is managed
by Kirby Tanimura, who has more than 10 years of experience in the fresh
produce industry and owns 25% of TDI. In 1997, TDI's sales of $39 million
were 53% to supermarkets, 30% to food service and 17% to other wholesalers.
Premier, an 80%-owned subsidiary of IPHC, is managed by Robert M.
Levine, who has more than 15 years of experience in the fresh produce
industry and owns 20% of Premier. Premier distributes produce throughout
eastern Canada and its sales were approximately 54% to supermarkets, 28% to
independent retailers, and 18% to wholesalers in 1997. Sales in 1997 were
approximately U.S. $19 million.
FWF, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DNAP, sources tomatoes and vegetables,
including its branded line of cherry tomatoes and peppers, from various
growers in the eastern United States. Its 1997 revenues were $30 million.
In November 1996, IPHC acquired a 51% stake in Royal Van Namen ("Van
Namen"), a Holland-based fresh produce distributor. In February 1998 IPHC
sold its entire 51% interest in Van Namen to Van Namen's minority
shareholder.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company's research and development activities are carried out by
DNAP, a wholly owned subsidiary acquired in September 1996 as a result of the
Merger. DNAP was incorporated in Delaware in 1981 and is an agribusiness
biotechnology company focused on the development and application of genetic
engineering in fruits and vegetables. Since the Merger the Company's
research and development activities have undergone significant realignment
that reflects the investment being made in new business initiatives. DNAP's
major research activities are as follows:
- - Under a Long Term Funded Research Agreement between ELM and DNAP dated
September 26, 1996, DNAP has initiated a series of research programs in
support of product development at Seminis. The research program for
Seminis includes plant genetic engineering developments in fungal disease,
viral disease, nematode, and herbicide resistance. DNAP will receive
royalties on sales of products by Seminis which are developed under the
agreement using DNAP technology or expertise.
- - The Company has initiated efforts to develop a proprietary business based
on biotechnology developments in certain vegetatively propagated crops.
Through its new subsidiary, VPP, the objective is to build a global, value
added and proprietary business based on the sale of starting plants of
vegetatively propagated, commercial horticultural species differentiated
through biotechnology inputs, including genetic engineering, advanced
tissue culture and diagnostic methods. The initial business focus is on
strawberries. Research and product development being conducted for VPP
includes the development of fungal disease and nematode resistance.
- - DNAP maintains research and development activities in support of the
Company's fresh produce business. Research includes the development of
fruits and vegetables which retain freshness longer through genetic
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engineering focused on ripening or softening control. DNAP scientists are
also working on the retention of freshness and color in cut leafy
vegetables.
- - DNAP continues to pursue research contracts with third party companies,
particularly when the knowledge gained from these activities will create
opportunities in internal strategic research and development programs.
DNAP's research and development facility is located in Oakland,
California. The research team of 30 full-time scientists, including 19 with
Ph.D. degrees, and support staff includes scientists in the fields of cell
biology, plant genetic engineering, plant genetics, biochemistry, agronomy,
plant pathology and food science. DNAP's scientists have published over 300
articles in peer-reviewed scientific literature and are named inventors on
more than fifty United States patents owned by DNAP or FWF.
TECHNOLOGY ALLIANCES AND ACQUISITIONS
To meet the technical challenges of new product development in these
areas DNAP has benefited from certain collaborative and licensing
arrangements, both at the DNAP and the ELM level. A collaborative agreement
between ELM and Monsanto Company provides the Company with access to enabling
technology important in the genetic transformation of plants and "trait"
technology in the areas of viral and fungal disease resistance, herbicide
resistance and insect resistance. The acquisition of the technology assets of
United Agricorp, Inc., has provided VPP with rights to improve University of
California strawberry germplasm and trait technology involved in sweetness
and texture enhancement of fruits. An agreement with the John Innes Center
in the United Kingdom provides DNAP with broad testing rights to a range of
trait technologies, including disease resistance and flowering manipulation,
and a range of enabling technologies. The Company has entered into licensing
agreements with other research institutes, companies and universities to
broaden its technical strength in the areas of nematode resistance, viral
disease resistance in grape and certain aspects of fruit quality.
FRESH PRODUCE PROPRIETARY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The Company's strategy in the fresh produce area is to focus its
research and development efforts on products which meet identified consumer
needs not satisfied by existing products. The Company will seek to deliver
consistently superior products, thereby building brand name awareness, and
which are expected to sell at premium prices.
The Company is currently marketing two products it developed through
advanced biotechnological techniques to distributors, supermarkets and food
service outlets. These two products are marketed under the FreshWorld Farms
and Master's Touch brand names. The Master's Touch and FreshWorld Farms
cherry tomato is a proprietary hybrid with a deep red color, sweet flavor and
an extended shelf life of up to fifteen days. The FreshWorld Farms sweet
mini-pepper has a novel sweet taste, deep red color and a low number of
seeds. This new variety of pepper was developed through anther culture, an
advanced breeding technique that captures and genetically stabilizes
preferred characteristics such as taste, texture and low seed count. The
Company is testing in supermarkets a number of varieties of its proprietary
peppers of various shapes and colors in the United States.
DNAP's scientists are using genetic engineering to enhance the Company's
existing product line and develop new products. Plant genetic engineering
involves either the suppression of specific genes, for example those that
control ripening, or the over-expression of certain genes controlling
characteristics such as sweetness. One of DNAP's most significant
technological developments in this area is its Transwitch gene suppression
technology. Using Transwitch technology, DNAP has grown tomatoes with a
shelf life of up to 90 days in the laboratory, while preserving desirable
characteristics such as taste, color and texture. DNAP has received approval
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (the "USDA") and the Food and Drug
Administration (the "FDA") to grow and ship initial varieties of its second
generation tomatoes anywhere in the United States. DNAP has also received
the requisite government approvals in Canada. In the first half of 1995,
DNAP conducted a test market of delayed ripening tomatoes developed by using
the Transwitch gene suppression technology to switch off the ACC synthase
gene. These tomatoes were sold under the Endless Summer tomato brand name
and labeled as "farm grown from genetically-modified seed." The market test
demonstrated that there was consumer acceptance of these genetically-modified
fresh market tomatoes and validated the use of this technology for extending
tomato shelf life both on the vine and after harvest. In 1997, DNAP completed
an operations test to evaluate shipping characteristics of the
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Endless Summer tomato. This test validated the long shelf life and reduced
spoilage of these tomatoes under commercial shipping and handling conditions.
DNAP is currently expanding production of the Endless Summer tomato while
continuing to collect data on the performance of the tomato. Transwitch
technology has also been used to turn off ethylene biosynthesis and extend
shelf life to 8 to 9 weeks in DNAP's cherry tomato varieties.
The texture of DNAP's mini-pepper is being further enhanced through the
use of Transwitch technology to inhibit the gene responsible for
hemicellulase. Hemicellulase causes the breakdown of the cell walls in
peppers, a process which triggers softening when peppers reach their maximum
sweetness. The hemicellulase trait is being evaluated in a wide range of
pepper varieties.
PROPRIETARY PROTECTION
In order to develop and maintain its competitive position, DNAP seeks to
protect its intellectual property through patent filings in the United States
and abroad, maintenance of trade secrets and ongoing technological
innovation. DNAP and FWF have over fifty issued patents in the United States.
DNAP has obtained United States patent protection for key plant genetic
engineering technologies in the areas of gene isolation through transposon
tagging; transformation/regeneration methods for pepper, pea and corn;
promoter systems; and selectable marker systems. DNAP has also established a
patent position for important gene systems developed by DNAP, including
issued U.S. patents directed to genes for control of disease, sweetness,
color and acidity.
One of DNAP's most significant technological assets in the area of plant
genetic engineering is its proprietary Transwitch gene suppression
technology. DNAP has received three United States patents and one European
patent directed to methods of using this technology for suppressing plant
genes. The European patent, which had been in opposition, was successfully
upheld in a 1997 opposition ruling. Appeals on this European ruling are
still possible through March 30, 1998. To date, no appeals have been filed.
DNAP has made additional filings that are pending in the United States and
abroad directed to Transwitch technology.
DNAP has pursued patents and plant variety protection ("PVP")
certificates specific to certain DNAP products. DNAP has filed patent
applications in the United States claiming certain FWF parent and hybrid
tomato lines, resulting in two issued U.S. patents. In addition, DNAP has
pending patent applications directed to ripening controlled tomato lines and
cherry tomato lines. DNAP also has a granted United States patent directed
to the method of somaclonal variation in tomato. DNAP has been granted a
United States patent covering a broad class of low seed peppers, including
the FWF sweet mini-pepper. DNAP additionally has four issued United States
patents directed to the method of processing carrots. PVP certificates,
which are issued by the USDA, have also been pursued for specific fruit and
vegetable varieties. DNAP was issued two PVP certificates for tomato
varieties and two for pepper varieties. FWF has two pending PVP applications
for watermelon varieties developed by DNAP.
DNAP has strengthened its proprietary position by obtaining license
rights from third parties, either to secure freedom to operate via
non-exclusive licenses or to create additional areas of exclusivity through
exclusive licenses. DNAP has obtained license rights from several third
parties under patent filings related to plant molecular biology methods.
These license rights include non-exclusive rights from Stanford University
under the basic recombinant-DNA patent filings, from the Max Planck Institute
under patent filings directed to certain methods of plant transformation
using Agrobacterium (although the rights of the Max Planck Institute to one
of such patents is in dispute), and from Mogen International N.V. under
filings also directed to certain methods of plant transformation using
Agrobacterium. DNAP also has license rights from the USDA under patent
filings directed to the ACC synthase gene. Suppression of this gene, e.g.
with Transwitch technology, has been shown by DNAP to permit control of the
ripening process. DNAP's license from the USDA is co-exclusive for tomato,
and exclusive for 25 other crops including peppers, bananas, peas,
strawberries, grapes, pineapples and watermelons. As a result of the
agreement between ELM and Monsanto Company dated January 31, 1997, DNAP also
has access to key enabling technologies, including promoters, marker genes
and transformation methods, as well as genes for agronomic and quality
traits, held by Monsanto Company.
The Company uses trade secret protection for certain of IPHC's
distribution companies and FWF which market produce under the Master's Touch,
Premier Seleccion, FreshWorld Farms and Endless Summer brand names.
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ABSA and R.B. Packing, Inc. have registered the Master's Touch name as a
trademark in Mexico and the United States, respectively. ELM has registered
the Premier Seleccion name in Mexico and has licensed rights to such name on
a royalty-free basis to various of IPHC's subsidiaries. In addition,
trademark registrations of the name "Master's Touch" are pending in Great
Britain, Ireland, Sweden, the Benelux countries and Japan. FWF has
registered the Endless Summer and FreshWorld Farms names in the United
States.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
The agribusiness industry witnessed the continued growth in the number
of U.S. government approvals for genetically engineered plant products in
1997 and additional approvals of genetically engineered products in Europe
and Japan. DNAP believes these events signal maturation of the regulatory
approval processes in the U.S. and growing opportunities for agricultural
biotechnology products in the United States and abroad.
Regulation by federal, state and local government authorities in the
United States and foreign countries will be a factor in the future production
and marketing of DNAP's genetically-engineered plants and plant products.
The process of obtaining government approvals can be costly and time
consuming, and there can be no assurance that necessary approvals will be
granted in a timely manner, if at all. The extent of government regulation
of biotechnology that might arise from future legislative or administrative
actions and the potential consequences to DNAP are not known and cannot be
predicted with certainty.
The U.S. federal government has implemented a coordinated policy for
regulating biotechnology research and products in the United States. The
USDA has jurisdiction over specific research and pre-commercial activities
involving genetically engineered plants, in particular the growing and
interstate shipment of genetically engineered plants and plant products. The
FDA has jurisdiction over plant products that are used for human or animal
food. The EPA has asserted jurisdiction over the field testing and
commercial use of plants genetically engineered to resist pests and diseases,
so-called plant-pesticides, as well as administering various federal
environmental quality statutes. Failure to comply with applicable regulatory
requirements could result in enforcement action, including withdrawal of
marketing approval, seizure or recall of product, injunction or criminal
prosecution.
In January 1995, DNAP received USDA approval for unrestricted production
and distribution of the initial varieties of its genetically engineered
Endless Summer tomato. That approval closely followed successful completion
in October 1994 of consultations with the FDA concerning the safety,
nutrition and composition of Endless Summer tomatoes. In 1995, DNAP also
received clearances from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Health Canada
to import and sell Endless Summer tomatoes in Canada. Together, these
approvals allow DNAP to grow and ship initial varieties of Endless Summer
tomatoes anywhere in the U.S. and Canada in the same manner as conventionally
developed tomatoes. DNAP has also received approval from the Mexican
Secretaria de Agricultura y Recursos Hidraulicas to conduct field trials of
its Endless Summer tomatoes and genetically engineered cherry tomatoes and
peppers. Approval to sell Endless Summer tomatoes in Mexico is pending.
DNAP is continuing consultations with the FDA, begun in 1994, on
additional products, including delayed-ripening cherry tomatoes and peppers
with improved texture. DNAP has also received permission from the USDA to
field test genetically engineered strawberry and grape plants.
COMPETITION
Though the fresh produce industry in general, and the tomato industry in
particular, are characterized by numerous competitors and low barriers to
entry at the production level, DNAP Holding believes that a small group of
participants distributes over one-third of the tomatoes sold in the United
States. In the United States, the Company competes directly with the larger
tomato and pepper growers in Florida during the winter, and in California in
the summer and fall. Both the Mexican and the U.S. tomato industries are
characterized by numerous competitors. Major Florida growers include Six
L's, DiMare and NTGargiulo, which was acquired by Monsanto. Meyer Tomatoes
is one of the largest growers in California.
ABSA believes it has advantages over its competitors because, among
other things, (i) the vine ripe tomato ABSA farms has different and generally
more desirable attributes than the gas-green tomato typically produced by
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most U.S. growers and (ii) ABSA's production occurs in Mexico where the
climate is often more favorable and labor costs are lower than in the United
States.
There are also many companies engaged in research and product development
activities based on agricultural biotechnology. Competitors include specialized
biotechnology firms, as well as major pharmaceutical, food and chemical
companies that have biotechnology divisions, many of which have considerably
greater financial, technical, and marketing resources than DNAP Holding.
Competition may intensify as technological developments occur at a rapid rate in
the agricultural biotechnology industry.
EMPLOYEES
The Company and its subsidiaries have a total of 589 employees.
ABSA has no employees. Through October 31, 1997, Copropriedad Agricola
Batiz Hermanos, a Mexican entity that was controlled by the Batiz Family
("CABH"), provided services to ABSA pursuant to a contractual agreement. CABH
provided labor and administrative services to ABSA, and ABSA paid a fee to CABH
based on CABH's costs incurred in connection with providing such services. As
of November 1, 1997, Siembra replaced CABH as the provider of these services.
The number of persons providing such services through Siembra to ABSA ranges
from a minimum of 278 to a maximum during the harvesting season (January-April)
of approximately 12,000.
CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDER; CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company
are owned of record by Bionova International, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of ELM. Pursuant to a Governance Agreement dated as of September 26,
1996, between ELM and the Company, ELM (together with its affiliates) may
acquire additional shares of common stock of the Company so long as their
aggregate beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock does not exceed
80.1%, subject to applicable law. Also, pursuant to the Governance Agreement,
ELM has the power to elect a majority of the Company's board of directors and to
determine the outcome of any action requiring the approval of the holders of the
Company's common stock. This ownership and management structure will inhibit
the taking of any action by the Company which is not acceptable to the
controlling stockholder.
Certain of the Company's directors and executive officers are also
currently serving as board members or executive officers of ELM or companies
related to ELM, and it is expected that each will continue to do so. Such
management interrelationships and intercorporate relationships may lead to
possible conflicts of interest.
The Company and other entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or
affiliated with ELM sometimes engage in (i) intercorporate transactions such as
guarantees, management and expense sharing arrangements, shared fee
arrangements, joint ventures, partnerships, loans, options, advances of funds on
open account and sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including securities
issued by both related and unrelated parties and (ii) common investment and
acquisition strategies, business combinations, reorganizations,
recapitalizations, securities repurchases and purchases and sales (and other
acquisitions and dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business
units, which transactions have involved both related and unrelated parties. The
Company continuously considers, reviews and evaluates, and understands that ELM
and related entities consider, review and evaluate, transactions of the type
described above. Depending upon the business, tax and other objectives then
relevant, it is possible that the Company might be a party to one or more of
such transactions in the future in addition to those currently in force, such as
the Long Term Funded Research Agreement dated September 26, 1996, between ELM
and DNAP. In connection with these activities the Company might consider
issuing additional equity securities or incurring additional indebtedness. The
Company's acquisition activities may in the future include participation in the
acquisition or restructuring activities conducted by other companies that may be
deemed to be controlled by ELM.
9
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ABSA owns approximately 2,905 acres of agricultural land in Sinaloa and
Sonora. ABSA leases approximately 2,653 acres of land in Sinaloa and Baja
California Sur. See "Legal Proceedings."
R.B. Packing, Inc. and Batiz and Sons, Inc. own warehouse and office
space in Nogales, Arizona. The other subsidiaries of IPHC lease office and
warehouse space. Interfruver leases office and warehouse space in Jalisco.
Interfruver also leases warehouse space in Mexico City, Sinaloa, Sonora,
Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon. FWF leases office space in Eddystone, Pennsylvania
and Bonita Springs, Florida.
DNAP leases 41,000 square feet of laboratory and office space and 7,500
square feet of greenhouse space in Oakland, California. DNAP also own 12,700
square feet of greenhouse and warehouse space, including farm land for field
trials, in Brentwood, California. DNAP also has arrangements in various
locations throughout the United States for field evaluations of improved
plant varieties which DNAP is developing. DNAP's current facilities are not
adequate for large scale growing, processing operations or distribution.
Depending on the needs for its products, DNAP contracts for the requisite
facilities with third parties.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On January 21, 1997, a class action lawsuit styled GORDON K. AARON ET
AL. V. EMPRESAS LA MODERNA, S.A. DE C.V., ET AL. was filed in the U.S.
federal district court for the Northern District of California. The
plaintiffs allege that, prior to the merger (the "Merger") of DNAP with a
subsidiary of DNAP Holding on September 26, 1996, they owned shares of DNAP's
$2.25 Convertible, Exchangeable Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock"). In
connection with the Merger, all of the shares of common stock and Preferred
Stock of DNAP were converted into the number of shares of common stock of
DNAP Holding specified in the Merger Agreement. The plaintiffs allege that
they were denied certain rights they allegedly had under the terms of the
Preferred Stock and that certain individuals (the "Individual Defendants"),
each of whom was a director of DNAP prior to the Merger and later served as a
director of DNAP Holding, breached fiduciary duties of loyalty, candor and
care allegedly owed to DNAP and its stockholders. The plaintiffs claim to
have been damaged by the alleged actions of the defendants and therefore the
plaintiffs seek unspecified actual and punitive damages as well as
reimbursement of their litigation costs and expenses. On August 27, 1997,
the court granted motions to dismiss all of the claims pending against all of
the defendants, except the claims of breach of the fiduciary duty of loyalty
against the Individual Defendants. The court also gave the plaintiffs leave
to amend the complaint against certain other named defendants, including DNAP
Holding, as to aiding and abetting the alleged breach of fiduciary duty of
loyalty. To date, the plaintiffs have not amended their complaint to
reassert claims against these parties. If they were to do so, DNAP Holding
would vigorously defend against any claims asserted against them.
On August 13, 1997, a lawsuit styled GRACE BROTHERS, LTD. V. DNAP
HOLDING CORPORATION, DNA PLANT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AND DOES 1 THROUGH 20
INCLUSIVE was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California. This claim arises out of the private placement of
common stock and warrants made by DNAP in August of 1995. The plaintiff
alleges that DNAP failed to disclose material non-public information relating
to DNAP's efforts to enter into a strategic relationship with a third party
in violation of federal and state securities laws and the terms of the
contract relating to the private placement. The plaintiff seeks rescission
of its purchase of common stock and warrants in the private placement and
damages of an unspecified amount. On November 17, 1997, the plaintiff
dismissed DNAP Holding from the lawsuit. On December 8, 1997, the Court
granted in part DNAP's Motion to Dismiss. Specifically, the Court dismissed
plaintiff's state and federal securities fraud claims on the grounds that
plaintiff's allegations were insufficient, but granted to plaintiff leave to
amend its allegations. Plaintiff has done so, and DNAP has responded with
another Motion to Dismiss. DNAP believes all of the plaintiff's claims are
without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.
On August 29, 1997, a lawsuit styled GRACE BROTHERS, LTD. V. DNAP
HOLDING CORPORATION, DNA PLANT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AND DOES 1 THROUGH 20
INCLUSIVE was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County
of Alameda. This claim arises out of the Merger on September 26, 1996 of DNAP
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of DNAP Holding. In the Merger, shares of
DNAP's Preferred Stock were converted into the right to receive shares of
common stock of DNAP Holding. The plaintiff alleges that it owned shares of
Preferred Stock, that it was entitled to special conversion privileges under
the terms of the Certificate of Designation that established
10
<PAGE>
the Preferred Stock and that DNAP breached its contractual obligations to the
plaintiff by not providing those special conversion privileges. The
Plaintiff also alleges that the former holders of DNAP common stock were
unjustly enriched by DNAP's alleged breach of the Certificate of Designation.
The plaintiff seeks damages of an unspecified amount. DNAP Holding and DNAP
believe these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend
against them.
In July of 1997, DNAP was formally notified by the U.S. Department of
Justice ("DOJ") that a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. was
investigating possible violations of federal law by individuals associated
with DNAP arising from the FDA's investigation of the tobacco industry. In
December, 1997, DNAP entered into an agreement with DOJ (the "Plea
Agreement") pursuant to which, among other things DNAP has pled guilty to
one count of conspiracy to violate the tobacco seed export law, a Class A
misdemeanor, and DNAP will cooperate with the federal government in
connection with the United States' investigations involving the tobacco
industry. Subject to DNAP's completely fulfilling its obligations under the
Plea Agreement, the Government will recommend that a fine of $100,000 be
imposed.
ABSA owns one hundred hectares (approximately 247 acres) of rural land
in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico, which is the subject of a judicial
proceeding pending in Mexico initiated by a group of campesinos. The
petitioners asserted that a previous owner of the subject land, Miguel Angel
Suarez, owned rural land in excess of the maximum that was then allowed by
law and that therefore the land rightfully belonged to them. On September
25, 1996, the court upheld the petition and ordered the land turned over to
the petitioners. The court also ruled that the transfer of the property to
Olga Elena Batiz Esquer on June 2, 1990 was null and void, which would mean
that the transfer of the land by Ms. Batiz to ABSA in 1993 was ineffective.
On October 23, 1996, Ms. Batiz, who was a party to the trial court
proceeding, filed a challenge to the judicial determination based on alleged
violations of her constitutional rights and procedural and substantive errors
in the trial court proceedings. If ABSA is ultimately required to transfer
the subject land, which constitutes approximately 9% of the total land owned
by ABSA, Mexican law gives ABSA indemnification rights against Ms. Batiz.
ABSA owns seventy-five hectares (approximately 185 acres) of rural land
in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico, which is the subject of a judicial
proceeding pending in Mexico initiated by a group of campesinos. The
petitioners requested that ownership of the land be transferred to them based
on the fact that, at some time prior to ABSA's ownership of the land, the
land was not cultivated for more than two consecutive years without good
reason. On March 18, 1997, the court upheld the petition and ordered the
land transferred to the petitioners. On August 28, 1997, ABSA and other
affected parties filed a challenge to the judicial determination based on
alleged violations of their constitutional rights and procedural and
substantive errors in the trial court proceedings. If ABSA is ultimately
required to transfer the subject land, which constitutes approximately 7% of
the total land owned by ABSA, Mexican law gives ABSA indemnification rights
against the State of Sinaloa.
In addition to the foregoing, from time to time the Company is involved
in various legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such
legal actions are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
11
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Information regarding DNAP Holding's executive officers including their
respective ages at March 1, 1998, is set forth below.
<TABLE>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH COMPANY
- ---- --- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mr. Bernardo Jimenez 44 Chief Executive Officer and Director
Dr. John R. Bedbrook 48 Executive Vice President
Mr. Jorge Fenyvesi 47 Executive Vice President
Mr. Abelardo Sanchez 52 Executive Vice President
Dr. David A. Evans 45 Executive Vice President
Mr. Arthur H. Finnel 47 Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief
Financial Officer
</TABLE>
Mr. Bernardo Jimenez was appointed Chief Executive Officer of DNAP Holding in
October 1997. He has been Chairman of the Board of DNAP Holding since September
1996. Mr. Jimenez also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the
agrobiotechnology division of ELM, which includes DNAP Holding and several other
smaller Mexican companies. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Jimenez served as the head of
the Industrial Banking Division at the Vector Group, a financial services
company in Mexico which is affiliated with ELM, the Vice President of New
Business Development for Pulsar Internacional, S.A. de C.V., and the Chief
Financial Officer of ELM. Mr. Jimenez is a director of ELM.
Dr. John R. Bedbrook, Ph.D. has been an Executive Vice President responsible for
technology and research and development of the Company since October 1997. Dr.
Bedrook also serves as a co-President of DNAP. Dr. Bedbrook was Executive Vice
President and Director of Science of DNAP from 1988 through 1997.
Mr. Jorge Fenyvesi has been an Executive Vice President of the Company
responsible for planning and business development since October 1997 and has
been with DNAP Holding since July 1997. He also serves as a co-President of
DNAP. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Fenyvesi was Commercial Director for Dow Elanco,
Latin America and from 1992 to 1994 he was Research and Development Director for
Dow Elanco, Latin America.
Mr. Abelardo Sanchez has been an Executive Vice President of the Company
responsible for fresh produce operations since October 1997. From 1994 to 1997,
Mr. Sanchez was President and Chief Operating Officer of Del Monte's worldwide
produce operations and from 1993 to 1994 he was Vice President of Del Monte's
fresh produce operations in charge of the Asia-Pacific region.
David A. Evans, Ph.D. has been an Executive Vice President of the Company
responsible for product development and licensing since October 1997. Dr. Evans
was Executive Vice President for Business Development at DNAP from 1995 to 1997
and was Vice President of Business Development from 1990 to 1995.
Arthur H. Finnel has been an Executive Vice President since October 1997, and
has been the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 1996.
From 1995 to 1996, he was a financial planning consultant to ELM and Bionova
Mexico. From 1982 to 1995 he was an executive with Mars, Incorporated, where he
held positions of General Manager and President of its Canadian pet food
division and Vice President of Finance of Uncle Ben's, Inc.
All executive officers of DNAP Holding are elected annually by the Board
of Director to serve until the next annual meeting of such Board and until
their respective successors are chosen and qualified.
12
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "DNAP." Public trading of the Common Stock commenced on September
27, 1996, the date after the Company acquired DNAP. Prior to that date, there
was no public market for the Common Stock.
The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices per
share for the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for the
periods indicated.
<TABLE>
HIGH LOW
----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
1997
First Quarter 6 3 5/8
Second Quarter 4 3/4 3 1/2
Third Quarter 5 3/8 3 5/8
Fourth Quarter 5 4
1998
First Quarter (through March 3) 4 7/8 3 7/8
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On March 20, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the
Nasdaq National Market was $4.00 per share. As of March 20, 1998, there were
1,628 record holders of the Common Stock.
The Company has never paid cash dividends. Management intends to retain
any future earnings for the operation and expansion of the Company's business
and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
13
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below for each of the
years in the five year period ended December 31, 1997, are derived from the
consolidated financial statements of DNAP Holding. The consolidated financial
statements and related notes as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1997, are included elsewhere in this Form
10-K, and the selected consolidated financial information set forth below should
be read in conjunction with such financial statements and notes. The selected
consolidated financial data of DNAP Holding include financial data for ABSA,
IPHC, Interfruver, DNAP, VPP, and Van Namen as from their respective dates of
acquisition.
<TABLE>
(Thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
Year ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Total revenues..................................... $281,198 $192,985 $197,586 $64,112 $ 164
Gross profit....................................... 18,485 16,632 19,703 (1,648) (3,638)
Selling and administrative expenses................ (26,660) (16,195) (14,608) (9,509) (915)
Write-off of purchased research and development.... (2,815) (12,900) -- -- --
Research and development expenses.................. (5,072) (1,244) -- -- --
Amortization of goodwill, patents and trademarks... (2,407) (1,008) (538) (404) (404)
Operating (loss) income............................ (18,469) (14,715) 4,557 (11,561) (4,957)
Interest expense, net.............................. (3,740) (3,482) (5,031) (1,254) 404
Exchange (loss) gain, net.......................... (481) 569 (4,748) (1,473) (7)
Other non-operating (expense) income............... (182) 2,058 -- -- --
Loss before income taxes........................... (22,872) (15,570) (5,222) (14,288) (4,560)
Income tax (expense) benefit....................... (1,426) (2,738) (2,132) 1,842 513
Minority interests................................. 3,986 1,274 3,510 5,673 1,770
Net loss........................................... (20,312) (17,034) (3,844) (6,773) (2,227)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted...... $ (1.11) $ (1.19) $ (0.35) $ (0.70) $ (0.25)
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding.............................. 18,370,640 14,286,318 10,967,299 9,677,384 8,794,160
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 6,600 $ 10,735 $ 1,580 $ 2,540 $ 4,079
Accounts receivable, net........................... 38,088 36,322 32,526 22,649 3,246
Inventories, net................................... 17,779 20,139 14,730 10,450 10,758
Total current assets............................... 63,085 68,354 48,978 35,761 18,661
Total assets....................................... 147,249 141,137 88,108 71,682 45,428
Bank loans and current portion of
long-term debt................................... 53,805 41,214 33,103 27,977 3,590
Total current liabilities.......................... 109,384 80,939 54,725 40,992 7,371
Long-term debt..................................... 7,215 2,423 10,515 2,223 1,485
Stockholders' equity............................... 28,356 48,690 14,725 17,839 22,083
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the selected
financial information of DNAP Holding and the financial statements and related
notes of DNAP Holding included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
DNAP Holding engages in the production, distribution, and sale of fresh
produce to wholesalers and retailers primarily in Mexico, the United States, and
Canada. The business strategy of the Company consists of (i) vertical
integration within the produce/agronomics industry, (ii) growth by acquisition
of complementary businesses and (iii) access to basic technology to separate
itself from others in the fresh produce business, as exemplified by the Merger
with DNAP.
DNAP, which was incorporated in Delaware in 1981, is an agribusiness
biotechnology company focused on the development and application of genetic
engineering and transformation technologies in plants, as well as development
and marketing of premium, differentiated, fresh and processed, branded fruits
and vegetables. DNAP uses advanced breeding, genetic engineering, and other
biotechniques to achieve improvements in the taste, texture, product form,
color, and shelf life of produce and to improve production characteristics, such
as disease resistance and production or processing yields.
DNAP Holding expects to capitalize on the combination of production,
distribution, and technology strengths by focusing its longer-term business
strategy on the development and commercialization of value-added, proprietary
differentiated products that are developed with DNAP's technology. In preparing
to exercise this strategy, DNAP Holding recently has sought to gain greater
control over its production and distribution operations. In October 1997, DNAP
Holding acquired the minority interests in IPHC and increased its ownership in
ABSA to 80.0% as part of this strategy. The price for acquiring these interests
was $14.7 million. With respect to ABSA, due to a provision in Mexican law that
restricts foreign ownership of companies that own agricultural land in Mexico,
the parent company of DNAP Holding, Bionova Mexico, purchased the remaining
20.0% interest in ABSA for $4.3 million.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997, increased by 45.7%, or $88.2
million, as compared with 1996. Contributing most significantly to this
increase were $26.3 million in revenues generated by the inclusion of DNAP and
FWF, which were not part of the Company during the first nine months of 1996,
and $51.6 million in revenues generated by the inclusion of Van Namen, which was
not part of the Company during the first eleven months of 1996. Revenues were
also positively affected by a $16.6 million increase at Interfruver, the
Company's Mexican distribution subsidiary, which increased its revenues from
$55.2 million in 1996 to $71.8 million in 1997. Revenues in the Company's U.S.
and Canadian distribution businesses declined by $6.2 million. This decline was
due primarily to two factors -- (i) weather and insect infestation problems
severely affected ABSA's production during the second and third quarters of 1997
and (ii) a greater portion of the fresh produce from the Company's Mexican
farming operations that might otherwise have been exported to the United States
was sold in Mexico through Interfruver in the third and fourth quarters of 1997
due to the relatively higher fresh produce prices that prevailed in Mexico
during this time period.
Gross profit (sales less cost of sales) increased from $16.6 million in
1996 to $18.5 million in 1997. DNAP and FWF contributed $5.5 million and Van
Namen contributed $2.4 million to the gross profit increase. Interfruver's
gross profit increased by $0.7 million due to its higher sales. The gross
profit of the U.S. distribution businesses declined by $0.5 million due
primarily to ABSA's production shortfalls, and the effect of the production that
was sold in the Mexican market because of the relatively higher price that
prevailed during the third and fourth quarters. ABSA's decline in gross profit
of $ 6.3 million stemmed from weather related problems during the first half of
1997 and the write down of inventories, receivables and property, plant and
equipment recorded during the second and fourth quarters of 1997.
15
<PAGE>
Selling and administrative expenses increased from $16.2 million in 1996 to
$26.7 million in 1997. This increase was primarily associated with the
operational expenses of $ 5.3 million incurred by DNAP, FWF and Van Namen, which
were not part of the Company during the three first quarters of 1996, and
expenses of $5.2 million incurred by DNAP Holding, associated primarily with its
legal, accounting, investor relations, and other overhead.
Research and development expenses appeared in the Company's results of
operations for the first time in the fourth quarter of 1996 after the merger
with DNAP. This $5.1 million charge in 1997 as compared with a $1.2 million
expense in 1996 reflects DNAP's research and product development costs for 1997.
During 1997, the Company wrote off $2.8 million of purchased research and
development in connection with the acquisition of the intellectual property
assets of UAC, while in 1996 the Company wrote off $12.9 million of purchased
research and development resulting from the merger with DNAP. Product programs
in these companies were considered in-process since the products being developed
were in various stages of development, have not been commercially introduced,
and require additional research and development before such products can be
produced and introduced to the marketplace. Accordingly, consistent with
generally accepted accounting principles, purchased research and development
must be charged off immediately to current income.
The non-cash charge for amortization of goodwill, patents and trademarks
increased by $1.4 million in 1997 as a result of recognizing a complete year of
goodwill amortization related to the DNAP and Van Namen acquisitions in 1996 and
the goodwill amortization associated with the 1997 purchase of the minority
interests in ABSA and IPHC.
Interest expense increased by $0.1 million in 1997 as compared with 1996
due to a lower rate of interest, offset to some extent by a higher average level
of debt outstanding during 1997.
Interest income decreased by $0.2 million in 1997 as compared with 1996 due
to a lower interest rate generated by ABSA on its short-term investments and a
lower level of advances to growers.
In 1997, DNAP Holding experienced a net foreign exchange loss of $0.5
million as compared to a gain of $0.6 million in 1996. During 1997, the
peso/dollar exchange rate remained relatively stable until the end of September,
but in the fourth quarter the peso declined in value due to the volatility of
the international currency markets. As a consequence, an exchange loss was
experienced in 1997 by ABSA, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar, due
to its net peso monetary position.
Other non-operating income in 1997 declined by $1.9 million due to
reductions in subsidies received in connection with the special incentive
program established in 1996 by various Mexican government and banking
institutions for companies in the agriculture, fishing and forestry industries
and the loss recorded on the sale of Van Namen. The special incentive program
was terminated in June, 1997.
Income tax expense decreased from $2.7 million in 1996 to $1.4 million in
1997. The decrease in income tax expense was due primarily to reduced income in
the Company's U.S. and Mexican operations partially offset by taxes from income
generated from European operations and additional taxes charged in connection
with an expected settlement with the Internal Revenue Service regarding prior
years' tax filings of R.B. Packing.
For 1997, the share of losses allocable to minority interests was $4.0
million as compared with minority interest losses of $1.3 million in 1996.
These allocations of losses for the years of 1997 and 1996, respectively, were
consistent with the minority positions held across the operating subsidiaries of
the Company. The minority interest loss in 1997 includes an allocation of a
portion of ABSA's and IPHC's results through July 31, 1997 (the effective date
of the transaction agreed to by the parties) to the Batiz family, and of ABSA's
results from August 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997 to Bionova Mexico.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
DNAP Holding's total revenues declined from $197.6 million in 1995 to
$193.0 million in 1996. The primary components of this change were a $5.6
million decline in other service income, a $16.1 million decrease in
16
<PAGE>
IPHC's U.S. and Canadian sales, partially offset by a $6.3 million increase
in the sales of Interfruver in Mexico, and the inclusion of $8.2 million in
sales generated from the partial year results of DNAP and Van Namen following
their acquisition and merger into DNAP Holding. ABSA's revenues in 1996 and
1995 were $67.4 million and $61.7 million, respectively, of which $67.0
million and $57.8 million were intercompany sales (eliminated in
consolidation). The decline in U.S. and Canadian sales reflected the effect
of lower average realized prices of fresh produce sold during the first six
months of the year and a reduction in ABSA's production for the U.S. market
during the third quarter. This reduction in ABSA's production was a direct
result of the Company's decision to terminate relationships with some of its
growers in 1996 to improve product quality, build more stable relationships
with its growers, and reduce credit losses. Interfruver's sales volume
increased from 1995 to 1996 due to the addition of new commodities to the
products sold by Interfruver, slightly higher prices due to improved brand
name recognition and quality, and additional sales to a major Mexican
retailer. Other service income from the sale of materials (seeds,
fertilizer, etc.) to contract growers, net of costs, included in total
revenues declined from 1995 to 1996 as a direct consequence of ABSA's
decision to terminate relationships with some of its growers in 1996, to whom
such materials are sold.
Gross profit (sales less cost of sales) declined from $19.7 million in 1995
to $16.6 million in 1996. The negative effects of the lower average selling
prices ($8.6 million) in the U.S. and Canada and the decline in service income
($5.6 million) in Mexico were offset to some extent by the incremental margin
contribution by DNAP and Van Namen ($1.3 million and $.7 million, respectively)
and lower cost of sales ($9.1 million). Included in the change in cost of sales
is a reduction in the expense recorded in 1996 versus 1995 associated with the
provisions for uncollectible grower and customer receivables ($2.0 million and
$5.0 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively).
Selling and administrative expenses increased from $14.6 million in 1995 to
$16.2 million in 1996. This increase was primarily associated with expenses
incurred by DNAP and Van Namen during the fourth quarter of 1996 after the
Merger and acquisition, respectively, and their incorporation into DNAP Holding.
Research and product development expenses appeared in DNAP Holding's
results of operations for the first time in the fourth quarter of 1996. This
$1.2 million expense item reflects DNAP's research and product development costs
recorded in the fourth quarter.
In 1996, the Company wrote off $12.9 million of purchased research and
development resulting from the Merger. This one-time charge reflects the value
of in-process research and development programs ongoing at DNAP at the time of
the Merger, as estimated by an independent appraiser, which was part of the
purchase price in the transaction. These product programs were considered
in-process since the products being developed were in various stages of
development, have not been commercially introduced, and require additional
research and development before such products can be produced and introduced to
the marketplace. Accordingly, consistent with generally accepted accounting
principles, purchased research and development must be charged off immediately
to current income.
The non-cash charge for amortization of goodwill, patents and trademarks
increased in 1996 due to the first quarter of amortization charges (recorded in
the fourth quarter of 1996) emanating from the DNAP Merger and Van Namen
acquisition, respectively.
Interest expense decreased by $2.9 million in 1996, or 34%, versus 1995.
This decrease was due to a decline in the average interest rate that DNAP
Holding paid on its short-term debt during the year.
Interest income declined from $3.5 million in 1995 to $2.2 million in 1996.
This decline was due to a lower level of interest income generated by ABSA on
its short-term investments and a lower level of advances to growers on which
ABSA collected interest in 1996 versus 1995.
In 1996, DNAP Holding experienced a net foreign exchange gain of $0.6
million as compared to a loss of $4.7 million in 1995. During 1996, the
peso/dollar exchange rate remained relatively stable throughout the year. At
the end of 1994 a significant devaluation of the Mexican peso took place with
further declines experienced throughout 1995. As a consequence, large exchange
losses were experienced in 1995 by ABSA, whose functional currency is the U.S.
dollar, due to its net peso monetary position.
17
<PAGE>
Income tax expense increased from $2.1 million in 1995 to $2.7 million in
1996. The increase was primarily due taxes on increased income from Mexican
operations partially offset by a decline in taxes related to lower U.S. income.
Other non-operating income in 1996 included a gain on the sale of property,
plant and equipment of $.3 million and a subsidy of $1.7 million in connection
with a special incentive program sponsored by various Mexican government and
banking institutions for companies in the agriculture, fishing and forestry
industries.
During 1996, the share of losses allocable to minority interests was $1.3
million as compared with $3.5 million in 1995. The 1996 and 1995 allocations of
losses are consistent with the minority positions held across the operating
subsidiaries of the Company.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
During 1997, the Company made capital investments of $6.4 million in
property, plant and equipment. Of this amount $5.4 million was spent to
complete investment projects that ABSA initiated in 1996 in
temperature-controlled storage space and equipment to reduce spoilage and
enhance the quality of its products, and the remaining $0.8 million was invested
primarily by the distribution companies.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a negative working capital
position of $46.3 million as compared with a negative position of $12.6 million
at the end of 1996. The major factors contributing to this significant change
in position were (i) the short-term financing required to fund the acquisition
of the minority interests in ABSA and IPHC, (ii) the acquisition of the
intellectual property of UAC, and (iii) the cash used in conjunction with the
operating losses sustained by the Company during 1997.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company used $14.8 million of
cash in operating activities. The great majority of this cash usage in
operations was associated with the losses sustained by the Company (net loss of
$20.3 million), offset to an extent by non-cash items ($6.7 million). The
increase in accounts receivable and advances to growers of $1.8 million
reflected a higher level of sales in December 1997 as compared with the sales in
December 1996 and new projects initiated with growers during 1997. Accounts
payable and accrued expenses declined by $1.9 million during 1997, which was
primarily a result of ABSA's refinancing of the high level of payables it held
during the 1996-97 growing season with bank loans. An additional $0.8 million
is reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows in 1997 reflecting the loss on the divestiture of Van
Namen. The decline in inventories of $2.4 million was a consequence of
write-offs taken by ABSA in 1997.
In addition to the capital expenditures discussed above, investment
requirements reflected in the cash flows included the Company's acquisition of
the minority interests in ABSA and IPHC ($7.5 million in cash), the acquisition
of the intellectual property of UAC ($2.6 million), and the payment of the 1996
Van Namen and Interfruver earn-outs ($0.6 million).
Cash provided by financing activities in 1997 totaled $26.6 million. The
great majority of this cash was received in the form of credit lines from
banking institutions ($10.2 million) and from ELM ($14.1 million).
In addition, as part of the purchase of the minority interests in ABSA and
IPHC, of the $14.7 million purchase price, $7.2 million was provided in the form
of debt instruments which become due in certain installments, with interest, in
1998, 1999, and 2000.
The Company is in the process of negotiating longer-term arrangements to
finance its recent acquisitions and the balance of its needs, and, given the
decline in its equity position over the past year, is also considering a variety
of approaches to reduce its heavy level of debt and improve its equity position.
The Company also has received assurances from ELM for the next year that ELM
will continue to provide for the Company's short-term financing needs, as
required.
18
<PAGE>
IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculation causing disruptions of operations, including, among
other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or
engage in similar normal business activities.
The Company recently undertook a review of the status of its preparedness
for the year 2000. It was determined from this review that all of the Company's
U. S. and Canadian subsidiaries have already updated their systems and are ready
for the year 2000, with the exception of R.B. Packing. R.B. Packing will begin
a review of its systems in the second quarter of 1998. The Company's Mexican
subsidiaries, ABSA and Interfruver, have already identified their requirements
and are in the process of updating their systems.
The costs of the year 2000 modifications to date have been small and have
not had a material impact on the Company's financial statements. The Company
does not expect that the changes for the Company's subsidiaries that are in the
process, or will begin a process of conversion, will have a material affect on
its results of operations in future years. However, there can be no guarantee
that the future costs will not be significant, and in the case of R.B.
Packing, it is still too early to say with any certainty. Specific factors that
might cause costs to be significant include, but are not limited to, the
availability and cost of personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate
and correct all relevant computer codes, and similar uncertainties.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report on Form 10-K includes "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other
than statements of historical facts included in this Form 10-K, including
without limitation statements contained in this "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and under "Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements" located elsewhere herein regarding the
Company's financial position, business strategy, prospects, plans and
objectives of management of the Company for future operations, and industry
conditions, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that
the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it
can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In
addition to important factors described elsewhere in this report, the following
significant factors, among others, sometimes have affected, and in the future
could affect, the Company's actual results and could cause such results during
1998, and beyond, to differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company:
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS. The Company's business has
undergone rapid growth. As a result of this rapid growth, significant strains
have been placed on the management, operations and financial resources of the
Company's subsidiaries. The realization of the business strategy for the
Company and its subsidiaries will be dependent upon, among other things, the
ability of the Company to adapt management information systems and controls and
to hire, train and retain qualified employees to allow the operations thereof to
be effectively managed. The geographic separation of the operations of the
Company's subsidiaries exacerbates these issues.
HISTORICAL LOSSES AND ACCUMULATED DEFICITS. DNAP Holding sustained losses
in 1996 and 1997. There is no assurance that some of the factors that caused
these historical losses will not be present in future periods or that the
Company will be profitable in the future.
POSSIBLE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING. The projected cash flows from
operations and existing capital resources of the Company, including existing
credit lines, may not be sufficient to permit the Company to pursue proposed
business strategies to acquire additional producers, distributors, marketers and
additional rights to technologies. Therefore, the ability to pursue such
acquisitions may be dependent upon the Company's ability to obtain additional
capital, which could result in the incurrence of additional debt or potentially
dilutive issuances of additional equity securities. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in obtaining such capital and, as a result,
may be restricted in its pursuit of its future growth and acquisition
strategies.
19
<PAGE>
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OWNERSHIP OF RURAL LAND IN MEXICO. ABSA owns a
substantial amount of rural land in Mexico. Historically, the ownership of
rural land in Mexico has been subject to legal limitations and claims by
residents of rural communities, which in some cases could lead to the owner
being forced to surrender such land. Though ABSA is in compliance with all
applicable legal limitations, ABSA has been, and continues to be, involved in
such proceedings as part of its ordinary course of business. ABSA has not lost
any land as a result of such proceedings.
GOVERNMENTAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FOREIGN OPERATIONS. Nearly
all of the growing and approximately 25% of the Company's sales occur in Mexico.
Nearly 7% of the Company's sales occurs in Canada. Foreign operations such as
those conducted by the Company, especially in countries with volatile economies,
are subject to political and economic risks, including political instability,
currency controls, currency devaluations, exchange rate fluctuations, increased
credit risks, inflation, foreign tax laws, changes in import/export or other
regulations and tariff and freight rates. Political and other factors beyond the
Company's control, including without limitation those factors discussed below,
could have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operations.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND INFLATION. The currency exchange rates in Mexico
have historically been volatile. For example, in December 1994, the Mexican
government announced its intention to float the Mexican peso against the United
States dollar and, as a result, the peso devalued over 40% relative to the
dollar during that month. Such exchange rate fluctuations impact the business
of the Company's subsidiaries. If the value of the peso decreases relative to
the value of the dollar, then (i) imports of produce into Mexico for
distribution by the Company's subsidiaries become more expensive in peso terms
and therefore more difficult to sell in the Mexican market and (ii) inflation
that generally accompanies reductions in the value of the peso reduces the
purchasing power of Mexican consumers, which reduces the demand for all products
including produce and, in particular, imported, branded or other premium-quality
produce. Conversely, if the value of the peso increases relative to the value
of the dollar, Mexican production costs increase in dollar terms, which results
in lower margins or higher prices with respect to produce grown in Mexico and
sold in the United States and Canada.
INTEREST RATES. Historically, interest rates in Mexico have been volatile,
particularly in times of economic unrest and uncertainty. High interest rates
restrict the availability and raise the cost of capital for the Company's
subsidiaries that are Mexican companies and for growers and other Mexican
parties with whom they do business, both for borrowings denominated in pesos and
for borrowings denominated in dollars. Costs of operations for these Mexican
entities are higher as a result.
TRADE SANCTIONS. Notwithstanding the enactment of the North American Free
Trade Agreement, Mexico and the United States from time to time are involved in
trade disputes. On occasion, the United States has imposed tariffs, quotas, and
importation bans on products produced in Mexico. Such actions, if taken, could
subject the Company to an additional financial burden, some or all of which may
not be able to be passed on to consumers.
AGRIBUSINESS RISKS. A variety of risks are inherent in the agribusiness
industry, including, without limitation, the following:
SUPPLY AND DEMAND. The fresh produce business is particularly sensitive to
fluctuations in supply and demand. When the supply of produce in the market
exceeds the demand for such products, the market price for fresh produce may be
driven down significantly, in some instances below the cost of harvesting and
packing. In such situations it may be uneconomical to harvest a crop, resulting
in a total loss of the costs incurred in growing such crop. Even when market
prices are sufficient to permit recovery of direct harvesting and packing costs,
prices may not be high enough to permit recovery of growing costs and/or
overhead and other indirect costs. In addition, oversupply can affect the prices
obtained for premium quality produce. Oversupply can result from, among other
reasons, an increase in the number of growers, an increase in the acreage
allocated by growers to a particular crop, unusually favorable growing
conditions or increased supply from foreign competitors (which could be caused
by a variety of economic and climatic factors in such competitors' home
countries).
LIMITED BARRIERS TO ENTRY. The relatively low capital requirements for
farming and produce distribution permit relatively easy entrance into the fresh
produce business, which in turn can result in oversupply.
20
<PAGE>
WEATHER. Weather conditions greatly affect the amount of fresh produce
that is brought to market, and, accordingly, the prices received for such
produce. Storms, frosts, droughts, and particularly floods, can destroy a crop
and less severe weather conditions, such as excess precipitation, cold weather
and heat, can kill or damage significant portions of a crop, rendering much of
it unpackable and unsalable. Conversely, unusually favorable weather conditions
can result in oversupply that drives down the prices realized by producers,
including ABSA.
CROP DISEASE AND PESTILENCE. Crop disease and pestilence can be
unpredictable and can have a devastating effect on crops, rendering them
unsalable and resulting in the loss of all or a portion of the crop for that
harvest season. Even when only a portion of the crop is damaged, the profits a
grower could have made on the crop will be severely affected because the costs
to plant and cultivate the entire crop will have been incurred although only a
portion of it can be sold.
LABOR SHORTAGES AND UNION ACTIVITY. The production of fresh produce is
heavily dependent upon the availability of a large labor force to harvest crops.
The turnover rate among the labor force is high due to the strenuous work, long
hours, necessary relocation and relatively low pay. To the extent it becomes
necessary to pay more to attract labor to farm work, labor costs can be expected
to increase.
The Mexican farm work force retained by ABSA is unionized. If the union
attempted to disrupt production and were successful on a large scale, labor
costs would likely increase and there could be work stoppages, which would be
particularly damaging in an industry where harvesting crops at peak times and
getting them to market on a timely basis is critical.
The majority of fresh produce is shipped by truck. In Mexico, truck
deliveries are sometimes less reliable than in the United States due to, among
other factors, the unreliability of some Mexican trucking companies and drivers
to make deliveries on schedule, poorer quality and maintenance of the trucks
used by Mexican trucking companies and poor road conditions in some areas. In
the United States and in Mexico, the trucking industry is largely unionized and
therefore susceptible to labor disturbances. Delivery delays caused by labor
disturbances in the trucking industry or any other reason limit the ability to
get fresh produce to market before it spoils.
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY. ABSA relies on agricultural land leased from
others and production associations with other growers for a large part of its
supply. If the other parties to these leases and other arrangements were to
choose not to renew their agreements with ABSA, ABSA would be required to locate
alternate sources of supply and/or land or, in some cases, to pay increased
rents for land. In addition to increased rental rates, increases in land costs
could result from increases in water charges, property taxes and related
expenses.
DEPENDENCE ON ONE SUPPLIER. One grower in Baja California, Santa Cruz
Empacadora, S. de R.L. de C.V., accounted in 1997 for approximately 11% of the
consolidated sales of the Company's subsidiaries. ABSA has entered into
one-year production association agreements with this grower for each of the past
two years and expects to continue to do so, but there can be no assurance that
the grower will continue to be willing to enter into such agreements with ABSA
on terms satisfactory to ABSA.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION. The U.S. activities of the Company's subsidiaries
are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, the
United States Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency,
and other federal and state regulatory agencies in the United States.
Similarly, the Mexican activities of the Company's subsidiaries are subject to
extensive regulation by the Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganaderia y Desarrollo
Rural, the Secretaria de Salud, and other federal and state regulatory agencies
in Mexico. Also, certain of the Company's products may require regulatory
approval or notification in the United States or in other countries in which
they are tested, used or sold. The regulatory process may delay research,
development, production, or marketing and require more costly and time-consuming
procedures, and there can be no assurance that requisite regulatory approvals or
registration of certain of its current or future genetically engineered products
will be granted on a timely basis.
PRODUCT LIABILITY. Certain of the products being marketed and developed by
the Company entail a risk of product liability. While the Company has taken
what it believes are adequate precautions, there can be no assurance that it
will avoid significant product liability exposure.
21
<PAGE>
NUMEROUS COMPETITORS. The fresh produce industry in general, and the
tomato industry in particular, are characterized by a large number of
competitors at both the production and distribution levels. In the past some of
these competitors have sought to limit the importation of Mexican-grown tomatoes
and peppers into the United States. DNAP is one of many companies engaged in
research and product development activities based on agricultural biotechnology.
Competitors include specialized biotechnology firms, as well as major
pharmaceutical, food and chemical companies, many of which have substantial
financial, technical and marketing resources.
MARKETING OF PREMIUM QUALITY PRODUCE. The Company's subsidiaries are
currently producing and distributing premium quality fresh fruits and
vegetables. The success of these and future products depends on many variables,
including the ability to produce and make available to the market consistent,
premium quality fruits and vegetables on a year-round basis, consumers'
willingness to pay higher prices for premium quality fruits and vegetables, and
retailers' willingness to carry such fruits and vegetables.
NO ASSURANCE OF COMMERCIAL SUCCESS OF PRODUCTS BEING DEVELOPED AND
MARKETED. Marketing of several products currently developed by DNAP is in the
early stages, and there can be no assurance that any of these products will be
successful or will produce significant revenues or profits. In addition, a
number of DNAP's product development projects are in the early stages, and there
can be no assurance that these projects will be successful or that any resulting
products will be commercially successful or profitable. In particular, although
DNAP has produced and sold a limited amount of its products, there can be no
assurance that it will be able to produce or market such products on a larger
scale.
NO ASSURANCE OF PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PRODUCTS.
DNAP's second generation products are being developed through the use of genetic
engineering. The commercial success of these products will depend in part on
public acceptance of the cultivation and consumption of genetically engineered
products. There can be no assurance that such products will gain sufficient
public acceptance to be profitable, even if such products obtain the required
regulatory approvals.
POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY BY COMPETITORS. The
application of recombinant DNA and related technologies to plants is complex and
subject to rapid change. A number of companies are engaged in research related
to plant biotechnology, including companies that rely on the use of recombinant
DNA as a principal scientific strategy and companies that rely on other
technologies. Technological advances by others could render the Company's
products less competitive. Some of these companies, as well as competitors that
supply non-genetically-engineered products, have substantial resources.
PROPRIETARY PROTECTION. The Company's success will depend, in part, on its
ability to obtain patents, maintain trade secret protection, and conduct its
business without infringing the proprietary rights of others. There can be no
assurance that others will not develop competing technologies and market
competing products or that DNAP will be able to enforce the patents which it
currently possesses or will be able otherwise to obtain or enforce any patents
for which it has filed an application. DNAP also relies upon unpatented
proprietary and trade secret technology.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to
the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their
entirety by the cautionary statements disclosed in this section and otherwise in
this report.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Report of Independent Accountants, and the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and the notes thereto appear on the following pages.
22
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
DNAP Holding Corporation
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of operations, of changes in stockholders' equity
and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of DNAP Holding Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 generally
accepted auditing standards 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.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
San Diego, California
February 20, 1998
23
<PAGE>
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
<TABLE>
December 31,
--------------------
1997 1996
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,600 $ 10,735
Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,777 30,941
Advances to growers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,311 5,381
Inventories, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,779 20,139
Other current assets.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618 1,158
--------- --------
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63,085 68,354
--------- --------
Property, plant and equipment, net.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,520 35,446
Patents and trademarks, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,258 14,492
Goodwill, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,792 19,323
Deferred income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,279 2,850
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 672
--------- --------
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $147,249 $141,137
--------- --------
--------- --------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term bank loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 51,217 $ 32,110
Current portion of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,588 9,104
Accounts payable and accrued expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,915 30,773
Accounts due to related parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,949 5,548
Deferred income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,715 3,404
--------- --------
Total current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109,384 80,939
--------- --------
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,215 2,423
--------- --------
Total liabilities... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116,599 83,362
--------- --------
Minority interest... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,294 9,085
--------- --------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued and outstanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized,
18,370,640 shares issued and outstanding. . . . . . . . . . . 184 184
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78,720 78,535
Accumulated deficit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (50,240) (29,928)
Cumulative translation adjustment... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (308) (101)
--------- --------
Total stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,356 48,690
--------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity . . . . . . $147,249 $141,137
--------- --------
--------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24
<PAGE>
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
(except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 281,198 $ 192,985 $ 197,586
---------- ---------- ----------
Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (262,713) (176,353) (177,883)
Selling and administrative expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . (26,660) (16,195) (14,608)
Research and development expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5,072) (1,244) --
Purchased research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,815) (12,900) --
Amortization of goodwill, patents and trademarks . . . . . . (2,407) (1,008) (538)
---------- ---------- ----------
(299,667) (207,700) (193,029)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating (loss) income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (18,469) (14,715) 4,557
---------- ---------- ----------
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5,704) (5,651) (8,521)
Interest income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,964 2,169 3,490
Exchange (loss) gain , net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (481) 569 (4,748)
Other non-operating (expense) income . . . . . . . . . . . . (182) 2,058 --
---------- ---------- ----------
(4,403) (855) (9,779)
---------- ---------- ----------
Loss before income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (22,872) (15,570) (5,222)
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,426) (2,738) (2,132)
---------- ---------- ----------
Loss before minority interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (24,298) (18,308) (7,354)
Minority interest in net loss of subsidiaries. . . . . . . . 3,986 1,274 3,510
---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (20,312) $ (17,034) $ (3,844)
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss per share - basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . $ (1.11) $ (1.19) $ (0.35)
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding . . . . 18,370,640 14,286,318 10,967,299
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
25
<PAGE>
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
<TABLE>
Common Additional Cumulative Total
Shares Common Paid-in Contributed Translation Accumulated Stockholders'
Outstanding Stock Capital Capital Adjustment Deficit Equity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1994 ............. $ 26,912 $ (23) $ (9,050) $17,839
Investment by Bionova, S.A. de C.V. ...... 936 936
Net Loss ................................. (3,844) (3,844)
Translation adjustment ................... (206) (206)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995 ............. 27,848 (229) (12,894) 14,725
Issuance of shares for cash upon the
formation of Bionova, U.S. Inc. ....... 25,000 $ 25 25
Issuance of shares for cash and upon
transfer of Bionova, S.A. de C.V.'s
interests in the Bionova subsidiaries.. 270,922 $ 3 32,845 (27,848) 5,000
Issuance of shares to Bionova, S.A. de
C.V. prior to the merger............... 52,800 1 5,279 5,280
Shares issued to DNA Plant Technology
stockholders upon consummation
of the merger.......................... 5,511,192 55 32,511 32,566
Shares issued to Bionova International,
Inc. in connection with merger and
capital contribution................... 12,510,726 125 7,875 8,000
Net loss.................................. (17,034) (17,034)
Translation adjustment.................... 128 128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996.............. 18,370,640 184 78,535 -- (101) (29,928) 48,690
Options issued in conjunction with UAC
acquisition........................... 185 185
Net loss.................................. (20,312) (20,312)
Translation adjustment.................... (207) (207)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997.............. 18,370,640 $184 $78,720 -- $(308) $(50,240) $ 28,356
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26
<PAGE>
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
<TABLE>
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(20,312) $(17,034) $ (3,844)
Items not affecting cash:
Minority interest.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,986) (1,274) (3,510)
Depreciation... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,938 2,244 2,805
Amortization of goodwill, patents and trademarks. . . . . . . . . 2,407 1,008 538
Purchased research and development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,815 12,900
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 882 1,986 2,132
Write-off of property, plant and equipment... . . . . . . . . . . 943 -- --
Loss (gain) from sale of property, plant and equipment. . . . . . (321) (325) --
Net changes (exclusive of acquisitions) in:
Accounts receivable and advances to growers, net. . . . . . . . . (1,766) 5,675 (9,876)
Inventories.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,360 (4,951) (4,280)
Other assets .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 897 (35) (733)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,690) 5,627 4,548
---------- ---------- ----------
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES. . . . . . . . . . (14,833) 5,821 (12,220)
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of intellectual property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,630) -- --
Advances to DNAP prior to merger, net of cash acquired. . . . . . -- (6,664) --
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8,188) (1,221) (2,026)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment... . . . . . . . . . . (6,444) (7,104) (4,214)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . 564 535
Loss on divestiture of subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832 -- --
---------- ---------- ----------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (15,866) (14,454) (6,240)
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net changes in short-term borrowings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,107 (2,142) --
Proceeds from bank loans and other debtors... . . . . . . . . . . 267 34,556 13,122
Repayment of long-term debt.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9,211) (35,451) --
Accounts due to related parties.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,401 2,520 2,506
Investment by Bionova, S.A. de C.V. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . -- 18,305 936
Investment by minority interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- -- 936
---------- ---------- ----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,564 17,788 17,500
---------- ---------- ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.. . . . . . . . . (4,135) 9,155 (960)
Cash at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,735 1,580 2,540
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash at end of year.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,600 $ 10,735 $ 1,580
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DATA
Interest paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,915 $ 4,438 $ 4,578
Income taxes paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 1,693 996
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Contribution of Bionova, S.A. de C.V. investment in subsidiaries for
Common stock... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- 27,848 --
Patents and trademarks resulting from merger with DNA Plant
Technology Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- 14,800 --
Options issued in connection with UAC acquisition... . . . . . . . . . 185 -- --
Issuance of promissory notes in the acquisition of the minority
interests of ABSA and IPHC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,220 -- --
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
27
<PAGE>
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
DNAP Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together with its
subsidiaries, "DNAP Holding" or the "Company"), a subsidiary of Bionova, S.A.
de C.V. ("Bionova Mexico"), a Mexican corporation, was formed on January 12,
1996, and originally named Bionova U.S. Inc., to be the holding company of a
consolidated group, which includes certain former subsidiaries of Bionova
Mexico (the "Bionova Subsidiaries") and, after consummation of the merger
discussed below effective September 26, 1996, DNA Plant Technology
Corporation and its subsidiaries (DNAP). Today, the Company acts as a
holding company for (i) Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V., of which the Company
owns 80.0% ("ABSA"), (ii) International Produce Holding Company, of which
the Company owns 100.0% ("IPHC"), (iii) DNA Plant Technology Corporation, of
which the Company owns 100.0% ("DNAP"), and (iv) VPP Corporation, of which
the Company owns 100.0% ("VPP"). As of July 1, 1996 and the date of the
Merger, the Bionova Subsidiaries consisted of majority interests in ABSA and
IPHC. On October 7, 1997, the Company acquired all of the minority interests
in IPHC and increased its ownership interest in ABSA to 80.0%.
THE COMPANY AND THE BIONOVA SUBSIDIARIES
On January 26, 1996, the Company issued 25,000 shares to Bionova Mexico in
exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000 and borrowed $5 million from
Bionova Mexico under a demand note agreement, at a fixed interest rate of
10.25%.
On July 1, 1996, Bionova Mexico transferred its interest in the Bionova
Subsidiaries to the Company and $5 million in cash in exchange for 270,922
common shares and acquired an additional 2,800 common shares of the Company
for $280,000 on August 1, 1996. Additionally, Bionova Mexico contributed the
$5 million demand note in exchange for 50,000 common shares on August 2,
1996. On August 5, 1996, Bionova Mexico contributed its shares of the
Company's common stock to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bionova International,
Inc.
The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared
giving retroactive effect to the contribution of the Bionova Subsidiaries in
a manner similar to a pooling of interest.
DNAP MERGER
On September 26, 1996, the merger of Bionova Acquisition, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, with and into DNAP (the "Merger") was
approved by DNAP stockholders and was consummated. Upon consummation of the
Merger, Bionova International, Inc. contributed an additional $8 million to
the Company for 12,510,726 common shares, and the former DNAP stockholders
received 5,511,192 common shares. The name of the Company was changed to
DNAP Holding Corporation immediately prior to the Merger.
The value of the shares of the Company's common stock issued in connection
with the Merger was determined based on the number of shares of DNAP's common
stock and DNAP's $2.25 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock outstanding,
at the fair value of the securities based on their respective closing prices
as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market at July 30, 1996, the date of the
second amendment to the merger agreement.
28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SHARES FAIR MARKET FAIR MARKET
OUTSTANDING VALUE PER VALUE
(000'S OF SHARES) SHARE ($000'S)
-------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DNAP common stock ............... 45,676 $ 0.531 $24,254
DNAP $2.25 Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock... 1,380 3.125 4,312
---------
28,566
Costs incurred by Bionova Mexico
associated with the Merger .... 4,000
---------
$32,566
---------
---------
</TABLE>
The purchase price was allocated to the following items based on a valuation of
the intangibles by an independent appraiser.
<TABLE>
($000'S)
----------
<S> <C>
Patents and trademarks . ....................... $14,800
Research and development ....................... 12,900
Goodwill ....................................... 10,528
Net liabilities of DNAP at fair value. ......... (5,662)
----------
$32,566
----------
----------
</TABLE>
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include DNAP Holding Corporation and
all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company). All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Acquired businesses are included in the results of operations since their
acquisition dates. Divested businesses are included in the results of
operations until their divestiture dates. The minority stockholders'
interest in the majority-owned subsidiaries' financial position and results
of operations is presented as a minority interest in the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
b. Management's estimates and assumptions
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
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual amounts could differ from reported amounts.
c. Revenue recognition
PRODUCE SALES
The Company sells produce on its own account and on behalf of growers and
other parties on a commissioned basis. Revenue from such sales is recognized
when the produce is shipped, net of an allowance for estimated returns.
Since the Company bears the risk of loss for collection of sales proceeds for
sales on behalf of growers and other parties on which commissions are earned,
the associated sales are recognized at the gross sales amounts, net of an
allowance for estimated returns or other credits. In the consolidated
results of operations, 1997, 1996, and 1995 sales recognized on a
commissioned basis and the related commissions earned were as follows:
<TABLE>
($000'S)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales .................... $98,882 $30,455 $35,080
Commissions earned ....... 9,132 3,253 3,189
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE>
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Revenue from product development activities is recognized during the period
the Company performs the development efforts in accordance with the term of
the agreements and activities undertaken. The revenue is recognized as
earned over the term of the agreement, in accordance with the performance
effort. Revenue that is related to future performance under such agreements
is deferred and recognized as revenue when earned.
d. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates the fair value. The
Company considers all highly liquid and temporary cash investments with
original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The
Company's policy is to place its cash and cash equivalents with large
creditworthy financial institutions and to limit the amount of credit
exposure.
e. Advances to growers
Advances to growers are made for supplies, seed, and other growing and
harvesting costs. The advances are interest bearing and repaid from amounts
withheld from sales proceeds due to growers.
f. Association agreements
The Company has entered into certain participation agreements with growers
under which the Company shares in the profits and losses associated with
growing activities. Since the Company exercises control over the
associations, the Company proportionally consolidates the results of
operations of those growing activities in the results of operations.
g. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by
using the first-in, first-out method for finished produce. Cost of growing
crops includes direct material and labor and an allocation of indirect costs
and are accumulated until the time of the harvest, subject to lower of cost
or market adjustments.
h. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at their acquisition cost. Additions
to property, plant and equipment, including significant improvements and
renewals, are capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to
expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using straight-line methods
over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
i. Goodwill
Goodwill consists principally of excess purchase price over net tangible
assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line
basis over twenty years. Amortization of goodwill amounted to $1.174
million, $0.700 million, and $0.538 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Accumulated amortization was $3.149 million and $1.975 million
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
j. Patents and trademarks
The costs of obtaining patents are expensed as incurred. Acquired patents
and trademarks are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method
over their estimated useful lives. During 1997 and 1996, the Company
recorded amortization expense of $1.233 million and $0.308 million,
respectively.
k. Research and product development costs
All research and product development costs incurred or acquired are expensed.
30
<PAGE>
l. Stock based compensation
The Company measures compensation expense for its stock-based employee
compensation plans using the intrinsic value method and provides pro forma
disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value-based
method had been applied in measuring compensation expense.
m. Concentration of credit risks
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations
of credit risk consist principally of trade receivables and advances to
growers. Credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited due to the
large number of customers comprising the Company's customer base.
Concentration of credit risk associated with advances to growers is limited
due to the geographic dispersion of the growers. However, there can be no
assurance that an event outside the Company's control will not occur and
cause these advances to be at risk. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers' and growers' financial condition to determine
the need for an allowance for uncollectible accounts.
n. Impairment of long-lived assets
Management periodically reviews for impairment the long-lived assets and
certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used by the Company whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized whenever it
is determined that recoverability is impaired. Measurement of an impairment
loss for long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles that management
expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset.
o. Income taxes
Current income tax expense or benefit represents the amount of income taxes
expected to be payable or refundable for the current year. A deferred income
tax liability or asset is established for the expected future tax
consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and
income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax expense or
benefit represents the net change during the year in the deferred income tax
liabilities or assets. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to
reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be "more likely than
not" realized in future tax returns.
p. Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and
cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, and advances to growers,
approximate their fair market value due to their short-term maturities. The
carrying value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated to approximate
its fair value.
q. Translation of financial statements
The financial statements for subsidiaries whose functional currency is not
the U.S. dollar are translated in the following manner: assets and
liabilities at the year end rates; stockholders' equity at historical rates
and results of operations at the monthly average exchange rates. The effects
of exchange rate changes are reflected as a separate component of
stockholders' equity.
For subsidiaries whose activities are recorded in currencies which are not
their functional currency and any subsidiaries located in a hyperinflationary
environment, i.e. countries with inflation exceeding 100% over the prior
three years (which in the case of DNAP Holding includes all Mexican
subsidiaries), the components of the financial statements are translated as
follows:
31
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
BALANCE SHEET:
Current assets, except inventories . . . . . . . . . . year-end
Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . historical
Liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . year-end
Property, plant and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . historical
Stockholders' equity.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . historical
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Sales... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . historical
Cost of sales... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . historical
Depreciation and amortization... . . . . . . . . . . . historical
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . monthly average
Other expenses and income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . monthly average
Income taxes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . monthly average
</TABLE>
Gains and losses in re-measurement arise mainly from the effect of exchange
rate fluctuations on net monetary items denominated in pesos and are included
in results of operations.
r. Net loss per common share
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128 ("FAS
128"), "Earnings per Share," for fiscal 1997 and retroactively restated all
prior periods to conform with FAS 128 as required. Basic net income per
common share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per
common share is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number
of common shares and potential common shares, using the treasury stock
method, outstanding during the period.
s. Employee benefit plan
DNAP has a savings and retirement plan and trust (the "401(k) Plan")
available to all eligible employees of DNAP. An eligible employee may elect
to defer, in the form of contributions to the 401(k) Plan, between 1% and 15%
(in 1% increments) of the total compensation that would otherwise be paid to
the employee, subject to annual contribution limitations. An employee's
contributions are invested at the direction of the employee in various
investment options and are fully vested and non-forfeitable immediately upon
contribution. The 401(k) Plan provides for DNAP contributions in the form of
common stock or cash, not to exceed 3% of elective salary deferral
contributions. During 1997 and 1996, DNAP's cash contributions to the 401(k)
Plan were approximately $0.082 million and $0.017 million, respectively.
t. Reclassification of costs
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
year presentation.
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS, MERGERS, AND DIVESTITURES
In 1994 and 1995, Bionova Mexico and its subsidiaries acquired control of the
following companies:
- During 1994, Bionova Mexico made a capital contribution toward the
formation of Premier Fruits & Vegetables BBL, Inc. (Premier) in the
amount of $161,000 in cash, representing an 80% share of the capital
stock. This investment was contributed to IPHC in December, 1994.
- During December 1994, Bionova Mexico acquired 51% of IPHC for $2.2
million in cash. This U.S. company distributes fresh produce in the
United States and Canada through its subsidiaries, R.B. Packing, Inc.,
R.B. Packing of California, Inc., R.B. Packing of Texas, Inc. (all
100% owned), Tanimura Distributing, Inc. (75% owned), Premier (80%
owned), and in 1997 in Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East
through its acquisition of Royal Van Namen (discussed below). The
goodwill resulting from this 1994 acquisition amounted to $0.675
million.
32
<PAGE>
- In January 1995, ABSA acquired a 50.01% stake in Interfruver de
Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Interfruver), a Mexican distributor of fresh
produce, for $2.055 million in cash, resulting in the recognition of
goodwill of $1.94 million. The agreement to acquire Interfruver
established that, in addition to the purchase price mentioned above, a
contingent pay out of $2.0 million could be due to the sellers (the
minority stockholders) on an earn out basis over a four-year period
beginning in 1995. This contingent payment will result in an
adjustment of the original purchase price and a corresponding increase
in goodwill and related amortization in the future. No amounts were
due or paid in 1995 and 1996 under this agreement. While the amount
has not yet been determined by the company, a payment will be made in
the second quarter of 1998 representing the earn out for 1997.
The following table summarizes the net investment by Bionova Mexico in the
subsidiaries acquired through December 31, 1995, which were contributed to the
Company in 1996.
<TABLE>
($000'S)
----------------------
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1996 1995
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
COMPANY ACQUIRED
ABSA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,296 $24,360
Tanimura... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 191
IPHC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,200 2,200
Premier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 161
-------- -------
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,848 $26,912
-------- -------
-------- -------
</TABLE>
These acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method. The
companies are included in the consolidated financial statements since the
date of their acquisition. Tanimura and Premier had no operations prior to
their formation with Bionova Mexico as the controlling stockholder.
In 1996, 1997, and through February, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries
made the following acquisitions and divestitures:
- In November 1996, IPHC acquired a 51% stake in Royal Van Namen (Van
Namen), a distributor of fresh produce located in The Netherlands, for
$1.475 million in cash, resulting in the recognition of minimal
goodwill. In addition, the Company made an earn-out payment in 1997
for 1996 performance of $0.277 million. In February, 1998 the Company
sold its entire 51% interest in Van Namen for $0.9 million. The loss
on the sale was recognized in the 1997 accounts, and amounted to
$0.832 million. Revenues, operating profit, and income before income
tax recorded in the the consolidated statement of operations for Van
Namen in 1997 were $54.843 million, $0.486 million, and $0.355
million, respectively.
- In August 1997, the Company, through its recently formed, wholly owned
subsidiary, VPP, acquired the intellectual property assets of United
Agricorp, Inc. ("UAC"), including all of UAC's rights to and under
technology, issued patents, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how and
all similar rights. DNAP had been performing work under a research
agreement with UAC since 1995 in the area of genetic modifications of
strawberries to improve various traits. The purchase price for UAC's
technology assets was $2.8 million. In connection with the
transaction, in consideration for certain non-competition and
indemnification commitments made by UAC's major stockholder, the
Company issued options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's
common stock. The exercise price of these options was the market
price of the common stock on August 27, 1997.
- In October 1997, the Company completed its acquisition of the minority
interests in IPHC and increased its ownership in ABSA to 80.0% (the
effective date of the transaction agreed to by the parties was July
31, 1997 for purposes of allocating minority income and losses). The
price for acquiring these interests was $14.7 million. The goodwill
resulting from the acquisition of these interests was $12.1 million.
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations assume that the
Merger had been consummated on January 1, 1995 and the acquisition of the
minority interests in ABSA and IPHC had been consummated on January 1, 1996.
Further, as Van Namen was sold in February 1998, the 1996 and 1997 results
have been adjusted to exclude its results of operations.
<TABLE>
($000's)
PRO FORMA
(UNAUDITED)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales............................................. 227,184 200,448 211,935
Net loss (1).......................................... (20,949) (14,566) (18,347)
Loss per common share -- basic and diluted............ $ (1.14) $ (1.02) $ (1.67)
Pro forma weighted average common shares
outstanding.......................................... 18,370,640 14,286,318 10,967,299
</TABLE>
(1) does not include the $2.8 million and $12.9 million write-off of purchased
research and development in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
33
<PAGE>
NOTE 4 - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable were comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
($000'S)
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1997 1996
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,626 $27,192
Recoverable value-added tax.... . . . . . . . . . 1,305 1,338
Officers and employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 287
Sundry debtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,762 4,104
Related parties.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 690 39
--------- --------
35,504 32,960
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns . . . (2,727) (2,019)
--------- --------
$32,777 $30,941
--------- --------
--------- --------
</TABLE>
The Company sells its produce primarily to retailers and wholesalers in the
United States, Mexico and Canada. No single customer accounted for more than 5%
of the Company's sales, and there were no significant accounts receivable from a
single customer at December 31, 1997 or 1996.
NOTE 5 - ADVANCES TO GROWERS
<TABLE>
($000'S)
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1997 1996
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Advances to growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,295 $5,050
Advances to related parties.. . . . . . . . . . . 1,016 331
--------- --------
$5,311 $5,381
--------- --------
--------- --------
</TABLE>
The Company has agreements with certain produce growers in Mexico and in the
United States, whereby a significant portion of growing costs are paid in
advance by the Company. The growing costs are recorded as advances to
growers and are recognized as a component of cost of produce sales when the
produce is sold. The advances in Mexico ($4.569 million and $4.172 million
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively) in some cases are secured by
promissory notes and/or the right to use the acreage of the grower if the
advances are not repaid. Advances to growers in the United States ($0.742
million and $1.209 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively) are
generally not collateralized.
Advances earned interest at 14% per annum in 1997 and 12% per annum in 1996
and 1995. Interest income from these advances amounted to $0.651 million,
$0.884 million, and $0.811 million during the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
34
<PAGE>
NOTE 6 - INVENTORIES
Inventories were comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
($000'S)
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1997 1996
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Finished produce... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,815 $ 2,047
Growing crops.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,974 11,317
Advances to suppliers.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 1,274
Spare parts and materials . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,821 5,301
Merchandise in transit and other. . . . . . . . . 980 752
--------- --------
17,906 20,691
Allowance for slow moving inventory . . . . . . . (127) (552)
--------- --------
$17,779 $20,139
--------- --------
--------- --------
</TABLE>
NOTE 7 - PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
($000'S)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
ESTIMATED
1997 1996 USEFUL LIFE
--------- -------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,993 $10,399
Buildings.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,672 9,570 25 years
Machinery and equipment.. . . . . . . . . . . 13,364 12,629 15 years
Office equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,232 1,932 4 years
Transportation equipment... . . . . . . . . . 3,383 2,455 10 years
Vineyards and agricultural tools. . . . . . . 2,471 2,268 3 years
Land improvements and others... . . . . . . . 2,638 1,975 13 years
--------- --------
45,753 41,228
Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . (9,233) (5,782)
--------- --------
$36,520 $35,446
--------- --------
--------- --------
</TABLE>
Equipment amounting to $2.150 million and $2.370 million at December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively, has been recorded under capitalized leases and
included above. Related accumulated depreciation amounted to $0.582 million
and $0.594 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and the
related depreciation expense amounted to $0.192 million, $0.126 million and
$0.317 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
NOTE 8 - BANK LOANS AND LONG-TERM DEBT
SHORT-TERM LOANS
Short-term bank loans consist of amounts due to banks, denominated in U.S.
dollars, under various lines of credit facilities. The lines of credit
contain certain covenants which, among other things, require maintenance of
certain ratio levels and tangible net worth levels. The Company is in
compliance with those covenants. The lines of credit bear interest at prime
(7.5% and 8.1% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively). Various bank
credit facilities are available with banks whereby the Company may borrow
upon such terms as the subsidiaries and banks mutually agree. At December
31, 1997, such bank credit facilities amounted to $65.1 million, of which
$13.9 million was not used. The amounts due under bank credit facilities
with Mexican banks are generally renewable at the discretion of the banks.
The Company has informal arrangements with these banks which permit
additional borrowings, subject to the availability of funds by the banks.
35
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1997, Empresas La Moderna, S.A. de C.V., the parent company of
Bionova Mexico ("ELM"), guaranteed $49.8 million of this debt. ELM is
obligated under the terms of the Merger through September, 1999 to provide under
certain conditions a guarantee of indebtedness of the Company of up to $20
million to a financial institution under a loan or a line of credit.
LONG-TERM LOANS
Consolidated obligations under long-term debt arrangements are denominated in
U.S. dollars and were comprised of:
<TABLE>
($000's)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1997 1996
------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding revolving bank credit facility (bearing
interest at 8.25%; principal and interest are payable
in one installment in May, 1997) ......................... -- $ 7,946
Bank loan bearing interest at a rate equivalent to
Libor plus 1% at December 31, 1996, secured with
first mortgage on land and buildings in The
Netherlands .............................................. $ 1,342 1,590
Capital lease obligations secured by the related
equipment acquired, bearing interest at variable
annual rates (14% at December 31, 1997 and 1996).......... 473 1,105
Mortgage notes payable to banks secured by the
related real estate, interest at prime plus 1.5% (10.0%
and 8.75% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively)
interest payable monthly and maturing on
dates through October, 2001.. ............................ 273 614
Notes to former minority stockholders of ABSA and
IPHC, bearing interest at 10% and payable annually in
installments in 1998, 1999, and 2000...................... 7,220 --
Other....................................................... 495 272
------- --------
9,803 11,527
Less current portion........................................ (2,588) (9,104)
------- --------
Long-term debt...........,,................................. $ 7,215 $ 2,423
------- --------
------- --------
</TABLE>
The maturities of the long-term debt at December 31, 1997, were as follows:
<TABLE>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (000's)
-------
<S> <C>
1998 ....................................................... $ 2,588
1999 ....................................................... 1,670
2000 ....................................................... 3,983
2001 ....................................................... 282
2002 ....................................................... 187
Thereafter ................................................. 1,093
-------
$ 9,803
-------
-------
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE>
NOTE 9 - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses were comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
($000's)
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1997 1996
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Trade.................................................. $ 16,119 $ 19,168
Payables to growers.................................... 6,106 7,912
Accrued compensation................................... 2,606 1,103
Accrued interest....................................... 1,433 778
Taxes payable.......................................... 635 385
Sundry creditors....................................... 2,016 1,427
-------- --------
$ 28,915 $ 30,773
-------- --------
-------- --------
</TABLE>
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
The (charges) credits for income taxes are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
($000's)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT
United States
Federal............................ $ (313) $ (606) $ (740)
State.............................. (85) (146) (256)
Foreign................................. (146) -- --
------- ------- -------
(544) (752) (996)
------- ------- -------
DEFERRED
United States
Federal............................ (160) 21 (323)
State.............................. 21 -- (46)
Foreign................................. (743) (2,007) (767)
------- ------- -------
(882) (1,986) (1,136)
------- ------- -------
INCOME TAX EXPENSE..................... $(1,426) $(2,738) $(2,132)
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
Income tax (expense) benefit differs from the amounts computed by applying the
statutory federal income tax rate (34% in both Mexico and the United States) to
pretax income as a result of the following:
<TABLE>
($000's)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tax benefit at statutory rate in the United States (34%)............. $ 7,776 $ 5,294 $ 1,775
Effect of lower tax rate of 17% for agricultural
businesses in Mexico............................................... (1,650) (316) (1,311)
Write-off of purchased research and development ..................... -- (4,386) --
Change in valuation allowance of deferred tax assets................ (5,872) (2,384) --
Tax loss carryforwards for which tax benefit was
lost due to devaluation............................................ -- -- (1,235)
Taxable inflationary gains in Mexico................................. (944) (548) (1,064)
Depreciation on inflation-indexed value of property,
plant, and equipment in Mexico..................................... 501 328 252
Expected settlement of prior years' income taxes..................... (519)
State taxes.......................................................... -- (97) (210)
Other................................................................ (718) (629) (339)
------- ------- -------
$(1,426) $(2,738) $(2,132)
------- ------- -------
------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE>
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 are shown below:
<TABLE>
($000's)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Tax loss carryforwards...................... $ 19,680 $ 13,298
Non-deductible provisions................... 350 420
Other....................................... 56 67
---------- ----------
Total deferred tax assets..................... 20,086 13,785
Valuation allowance........................... (16,807) (10,935)
---------- ----------
Net deferred tax assets....................... $ 3,279 $ 2,850
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Inventories................................. (2,875) (3,376)
Other....................................... (1,840) (28)
---------- ----------
Total deferred tax liabilities................ (4,715) (3,404)
---------- ----------
Net deferred tax liabilities.................. $ (1,436) $ (554)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
The Mexican asset tax of 1.8% on certain net assets is not applicable in the
first four years of operation. This tax, once applicable, is due if federal
income taxes are not in excess of the asset tax. It can be recovered in future
years from taxes on future income in excess of future asset tax.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had total tax loss carryforwards of
approximately $69.1 million. Tax loss carryforwards from the Company's Mexican
subsidiaries can be inflation-indexed in Mexico until the date of their
application against future taxable profits. The tax loss carryforwards expire
from 2003 to 2012. The tax loss carryforwards are contained in the Company's
Mexican subsidiaries ($26.0 million), U.S. subsidiaries ($41.7 million), and
other foreign subsidiaries ($1.4 million).
DNAP had tax loss carryforwards at the date of the merger whose utilization is
limited to $27.8 million. A full valuation allowance has been provided with
respect to these tax loss carryforwards.
In 1997, discussions took place between R.B. Packing, Inc. and the Internal
Revenue Service regarding a dispute relating to commissions charged and certain
travel and expense charges relating to an audit of the 1991 through 1993 tax
years. A settlement is expected to be reached shortly. R.B. Packing, Inc. made
a provision in 1997 of $0.375 million for the three years in dispute, including
interest and state income taxes and further provided for the effect of this
expected settlement on taxes in subsequent tax years.
NOTE 11 - STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
STOCK OPTION PLANS
As a result of the Merger the Company assumed DNAP's existing stock option
plans. The number of shares and option exercise prices were adjusted to give
effect to the exchange ratio stipulated in the merger agreement. The three
plans are the 1986 Stock Option Plan (the "1986 Plan"), the 1994 Stock Option
Plan (the "1994 Plan"), and the Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (the
"Directors' Plan"), under which a maximum of 160,000, 300,000 and 80,000 shares
of common stock, respectively, are available for issuance. Approximately 51,000
options were outstanding at December 31, 1997 under three other stock option
plans. It is not anticipated that any further grants will be awarded under
these plans.
The 1986 Plan and the 1994 Plan provided for the granting of incentive stock
options, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code, and non-qualified stock
options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights to officers and
employees of, and consultants and advisors to DNAP (and now the Company), at
prices which were generally not less than the fair market value of the common
stock on the date of grant and expiring ten years from the date of grant.
38
<PAGE>
The Directors' Plan provided for initial and annual grants of non-qualified
stock options to each non-employee director at prices which were equal to 90%
and 100%, respectively, of the fair market value of DNAP's (and now the
Company's) common stock on the date of grant and expiring ten years from the
date of grant. An initial director's option became exercisable in five equal
annual installments, beginning one year from the date of grant, and the annual
awards became fully exercisable within one year from the date of grant.
A summary of the activity under all of the Company's stock option plans during
1996 and 1997 is as follows:
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding, at the effective date of the Merger on September 26, 1996......... 134,959
Granted ..................................................................... --
Exercised ................................................................... --
Expired and canceled ....................................................... (191)
-------
Outstanding on December 31, 1996 .............................................. 134,768
Granted ..................................................................... --
Exercised ................................................................... --
Expired and canceled......................................................... (10,745)
-------
Outstanding on December 31, 1997............................................... 124,023
-------
Available for grant at December 31............................................. 1,228
-------
Exercisable at December 31..................................................... 88,682
Option prices per share .......................................................
Granted ..................................................................... None
Exercised ................................................................... None
Expired or canceled ............................................... $ 8.75 to $ 201.90
Outstanding ....................................................... $ 13.75 to $ 76.25
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about the outstanding stock options
at December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Remaining Average Number of Average
Options Contractual Exercise Vested Exercise
Range of exercise prices Outstanding Life Price Options Price
- ------------------------ ----------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$13.75 ................... 925 7.75 Yrs. $13.75 370 $13.75
$20.31 - $29.94 .......... 33,618 7.13 Yrs. $27.50 4,388 $20.90
$30.00 - $38.75 .......... 31,523 5.91 Yrs. $35.14 24,851 $35.47
$41.25 - $50.00 .......... 35,897 3.19 Yrs. $47.19 34,510 $47.18
$51.25 - $76.25 .......... 22,060 5.13 Yrs. $54.40 18,860 $54.51
------- ------
Total .................... 124,023 5.10 Yrs. $39.83 82,979 $43.80
------- ------
------- ------
</TABLE>
FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
Had compensation cost for the Company's option plans been determined based on
the fair value at the grant dates, as prescribed in Statement No. 123, the
Company's net loss and net loss per share would not have been materially
different than the reported amounts.
39
<PAGE>
WARRANTS AND OTHER OPTIONS
At December 31, 1997 the Company had the following warrants and options
outstanding, which it assumed in connection with the merger:
<TABLE>
Number of
common shares Price per share Expiration date
- ------------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
40,000 $66.50 January, 1999
407,018 25.00 Third and fourth quarters of 2000
100,000 4.38 August, 1999
</TABLE>
During 1995, DNAP issued common stock with warrants that expire during the
third and fourth quarters of 2000, and which entitle the holders to purchase
an additional 407,018 shares of common stock at $25.00 per share. In 1997
DNAP Holding granted UAC's majority stockholder options to purchase 100,000
shares at an exercise price of 4 3/8, which was the fair market value on the
date of the grant, in consideration for certain non-competition and
indemnification commitments. These options expire in August, 1999.
NOTE 12 - BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
ELM CREDIT LINE
The short-term accounts due to related parties shown in the consolidated
balance sheet bears interest at variable rates comparable to those prevailing in
the market place. The debt with related parties arose from the long-term credit
line made available to affiliates of ELM and bears interest at variable rates
similar to those prevailing in the market place. At December 31, 1997, $15.429
million was outstanding under this arrangement. During 1997, 1996, and 1995,
the Company incurred interest expense of $0.519 million, $0.310 million, and
$0.223 million, respectively.
INSURANCE AND FACTORING ARRANGEMENTS
The Company contracts for insurance and factoring services with a related party.
During 1997, 1996 and 1995 the Company incurred insurance expense of $0.289
million, $0.591 million, and $0.399 respectively. Amounts due under factoring
arrangements were $0.868 million at December 31, 1997, and interest expense
incurred in connection with factoring arrangements was $0.0 million and $0.123
million in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
LABOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
From 1995 through October, 1997 ABSA had a contractual arrangement with
Copropriedad Agricola Batiz Hermanos (CABH) pursuant to which CABH provided
labor and administrative services to ABSA, and ABSA paid a fee to CABH based on
CABH's costs incurred in connection with providing such services. Both Raul
Batiz G. and Guillermo Batiz G., former executive officers of ABSA, owned in
excess of 10% of CABH and were deemed, by virtue of their positions with ABSA,
to be executive officers of DNAP Holding. In 1997, 1996 and 1995, ABSA paid a
total of approximately $14.094 million, $13.208 million, and $7.558 million,
respectively, to CABH under this arrangement. As of October 31, 1997 ABSA
terminated its relationship with CABH. Labor and administrative services are
now being provided by Siembra Cultivo y Cosecha del Noroeste, S.A. de C.V.,
which is a subsidiary of ABSA.
40
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
An Administrative Services Agreement between the Company and Bionova Mexico was
entered into on July 1, 1996. This agreement provides that Bionova Mexico will
render certain administrative and clerical services to the Company and its
direct and indirect subsidiaries in return for payment equivalent to the
compensation, benefits, and other overhead attributable to the employees of
Bionova Mexico performing these services, all of which will be performed in
Mexico. The initial term of the agreement was extended to December 31, 1997 and
will continue thereafter for successive one-year terms unless either the Company
or Bionova Mexico elects to terminate the agreement. Amounts billed in 1997 and
1996 by Bionova Mexico under this agreement were $1.000 million and $0.616
million, respectively. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had a
payable to Bionova Mexico outstanding of $3.001 and $1.845 million,
respectively. The outstanding balances bear interest at variable rates
comparable to those prevailing in the market place.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS
During 1997 the Company's Mexican subsidiary, Interfruver, established franchise
agreements for retail sales operations in Mexico. These agreements are between
Interfruver and Frutas y Legumbres Alta, S.A. de C.V., Operadora Frutal, S.A. de
C.V., Comercializadora Benny, S.A. de C.V., and Verduras Selectas, S.A. de C.V.
The agreements guarantee under certain conditions that Interfruver provides them
with high quality fresh produce, Premier's label, and the know-how of
distribution, administration, and software requirements for the operations, and
in return the franchisees pay a fee based on actual sales.
ADVANCES TO GROWER RELATED PARTIES
The Company has agreements with certain related party produce growers in Mexico,
whereby a significant portion of growing costs are paid in advance by the
Company. The growing costs are recorded as advances to growers and are
recognized as a component of cost of produce sales when the produce is sold.
These advances in some cases are secured by promissory notes and/or the right to
use the acreage of the grower if the advances are not repaid.
LOANS AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In connection with the acquisition of DNAP, Bionova Mexico loaned $5 million to
the Company on January 26, 1996 and contributed $5 million to the capital of the
Company on July 1, 1996. The interest rate on the loan was 10.25% per annum.
The loan was capitalized by Bionova Mexico on August 2, 1996. Interest expense
for the period that the loan was outstanding during 1996 amounted to $0.264
million. Pursuant to a loan agreement dated January 26, 1996 between the
Company and DNAP, the Company made two loans to DNAP in equal amounts of $5
million on January 26, 1996 and July 1, 1996. These loans are secured by the
assignment to the Company of DNAP's right, title, and interest in the patents
relating to DNAP's Transwitch gene suppression technology, and the Company may
require additional security under certain circumstances. These loans remain
outstanding with the balance plus accrued interest due in full on January 26,
1999.
LONG-TERM FUNDED RESEARCH AGREEMENT
On September 26, 1996, in connection with the merger, DNAP and ELM entered into
a long-term funded research agreement, which provided that DNAP and ELM,
directly or through its affiliates, will use their best efforts to agree on
research projects to be conducted by DNAP for ELM or its affiliates and which
will result in payments to DNAP of $30 million over a 10-year period, with
minimum funding (subject to carryforwards) of $9 million in any three-year
period. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, payments of at least $0.625
million in respect of ELM's obligation to fund research projects are to be paid
at the beginning of each calendar quarter. In the fourth quarter of 1996,
Seminis Vegetable Seed, Inc. ("Seminis"), a subsidiary of ELM, commenced work
under this long-term research agreement with DNAP. Through December 31, 1997
Seminis paid DNAP $3.125 million in cash. Work performed during 1996 and 1997
earned revenue in the amounts of $0.100 and $2.008 million, respectively. The
remaining $1.017 million of deferred revenue has been included in accounts due
to related parties. Several other affiliates of ELM are in discussions with
DNAP to identify additional research projects to be worked on under the
long-term funded research agreement.
41
<PAGE>
LEGAL REPRESENTATION
The Secretary of the Company is a shareholder in the law firm which provides
legal services to the Company and several subsidiaries. During 1997 and 1996
the law firm billed approximately $0.694 million and $0.100 million,
respectively, to the Company.
NOTE 13 - OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
During 1997 and 1996, the Company recorded a gain upon sale of property, plant
and equipment of $0.321 million and $0.325 million, respectively, and received
subsidies of $0.520 million and $1.733 million, respectively, in connection with
a special incentive program sponsored by the various Mexican government and
banking institutions for companies in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry
industries. The subsidy received was determined using specified formulas based
on ABSA's debt outstanding as of June 30, 1996 and the repayments of principal
and interest made by ABSA from July 1996 through June 1997. The special
incentive program was terminated in June, 1997.
A provision of $0.832 million was recorded by the Company in 1997 as a result of
the divestiture of Van Namen in February, 1998.
NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
CONTINGENCIES
- - On January 21, 1997, a class action lawsuit styled GORDON K. AARON ET AL.
V. EMPRESAS LA MODERNA, S.A. DE C.V., ET AL. was filed in the U.S. federal
district court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiffs
allege that, prior to the merger (the "Merger") of DNAP with a subsidiary
of DNAP Holding on September 26, 1996, they owned shares of DNAP's $2.25
Convertible, Exchangeable Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock"). In
connection with the Merger, all of the shares of common stock and Preferred
Stock of DNAP were converted into the number of shares of common stock of
DNAP Holding specified in the Merger Agreement. The plaintiffs allege that
they were denied certain rights they allegedly had under the terms of the
Preferred Stock and that certain individuals (the "Individual Defendants"),
each of whom was a director of DNAP prior to the Merger and later served as
a director of DNAP Holding, breached fiduciary duties of loyalty, candor
and care allegedly owed to DNAP and its stockholders. The plaintiffs claim
to have been damaged by the alleged actions of the defendants and therefore
the plaintiffs seek unspecified actual and punitive damages as well as
reimbursement of their litigation costs and expenses. On August 27, 1997,
the court granted motions to dismiss all of the claims pending against all
of the defendants, except the claims of breach of the fiduciary duty of
loyalty against the Individual Defendants. The court also gave the
plaintiffs leave to amend the complaint against certain other named
defendants, including DNAP Holding, as to aiding and abetting the alleged
breach of fiduciary duty of loyalty. To date, the plaintiffs have not
amended their complaint to reassert claims against these parties. If they
were to do so, DNAP Holding would vigorously defend against any claims
asserted against them.
- - On August 13, 1997, a lawsuit styled GRACE BROTHERS, LTD. V. DNAP HOLDING
CORPORATION, DNA PLANT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AND DOES 1 THROUGH 20
INCLUSIVE was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California. This claim arises out of the private placement of
common stock and warrants made by DNAP in August of 1995. The plaintiff
alleges that DNAP failed to disclose material non-public information
relating to DNAP's efforts to enter into a strategic relationship with a
third party, and that such failure constituted a violation of (i) Section
10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated
thereunder, (ii) Section 25400-25401 of the California Corporations Code,
and (iii) the terms of the contract relating to the private placement. The
plaintiff seeks rescission of its purchase of common stock and warrants in
the private placement and damages of an unspecified amount. On November
17, 1997, the plaintiff dismissed DNAP Holding from the lawsuit. On
December 8, 1997, the Court granted in part DNAP's Motion to Dismiss.
Specifically, the Court dismissed plaintiff's state and federal securities
fraud claims on the grounds that plaintiff's allegations were insufficient,
but granted to plaintiff leave to amend its allegations. Plaintiff has
done so, and DNAP has responded with another Motion to Dismiss. DNAP
believes all of the plaintiff's claims are without merit and intends to
vigorously defend against them.
42
<PAGE>
- - On August 29, 1997, a lawsuit styled GRACE BROTHERS, LTD. V. DNAP HOLDING
CORPORATION, DNA PLANT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AND DOES 1 THROUGH 20
INCLUSIVE was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California,
County of Alameda. This claim arises out of the Merger on September 26,
1996 of DNAP with a wholly-owned subsidiary of DNAP Holding. In the
Merger, shares of DNAP's Preferred Stock were converted into the right to
receive shares of common stock of DNAP Holding. The plaintiff alleges that
it owned shares of Preferred Stock, that it was entitled to special
conversion privileges under the terms of the Certificate of Designation
that established the Preferred Stock and that DNAP breached its contractual
obligations to the plaintiff by not providing those special conversion
privileges. The Plaintiff also alleges that the former holders of DNAP
common stock were unjustly enriched by DNAP's alleged breach of the
Certificate of Designation. The plaintiff seeks damages of an unspecified
amount. DNAP Holding and DNAP believe these claims are without merit and
intend to vigorously defend against them.
- - On September 25, 1996, a court in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico ruled that
Olga Elena Batiz Esquer did not have legal title to one hundred hectares
(approximately 247 acres) of land that she purported to transfer to ABSA on
June 2, 1990. This decision was made in concert with a ruling from a
petition originally presented in 1964 that the former owner of the subject
land owned rural land in excess of the maximum that was then allowed by law
in 1964, and that therefore the land rightfully belonged to the
petitioners. On October 23, 1996, Ms. Batiz filed a challenge to this
ruling. If ABSA is ultimately required to transfer the subject land, which
constitutes approximately 9% of the total land owned by ABSA, Mexican law
gives ABSA indemnification rights against Ms. Batiz.
- - On March 18, 1997, a court in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico ruled that ABSA
did not have legal title to seventy-five hectares (approximately 185 acres)
of land that it purported to own. This decision was made based on the fact
that, at some time prior to ABSA's ownership of the land, the land was not
cultivated for more than two consecutive years without good reason. On
August 28, 1997 ABSA and other affected parties filed a challenge to this
ruling. If ABSA is ultimately required to transfer the subject land, which
constitutes approximately 7% of the total land owned by ABSA, Mexican law
gives ABSA indemnification rights against the State of Sinaloa.
In addition to the indemnification rights referred to in the paragraphs above
with regard to the land in Sinaloa, Mexico, the Company, as a part of its
agreement with the Batiz family on the sale of their interests in ABSA to the
Company in October 1997, is entitled to recover from the Batiz family 100% of
the value of any losses of agricultural land held by ABSA prior to the sale.
COMMITMENTS
The Company leases certain facilities and land under non-cancelable operating
lease agreements. The leases expire at various dates through 2002 and provide
that the Company pay the taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses related to
the leased facilities. The monthly rental payments are subject to periodic
adjustments. Certain leases contain fixed escalation clauses, and rent under
these leases is charged ratably over the lease term.
The aggregate future minimum lease obligations under capital and operating
leases are as follows:
<TABLE>
($000's)
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, CAPITAL OPERATING
- -------------------------------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
1998............................................. $ 215 $1,448
1999............................................. 152 828
2000............................................. 74 65
2001............................................. 48 --
2002............................................. 24 --
----- ------
Total future minimum lease payments ............. 513 $2,341
------
Amount representing interest..................... (75) ------
-----
$ 438
-----
-----
</TABLE>
Rent expense incurred under the non-cancelable operating leases totaled $0.692
million, $0.570 million, and $0.623 million during the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
43
<PAGE>
NOTE 15 - OPERATIONS IN DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Information about the Company's operations by geographic area is summarized
below:
<TABLE>
($000'S)
Adjustments
and
Mexico U.S. Canada Europe Eliminations Consolidated
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $ 72,441 $135,691 $19,052 $54,014 -- $281,198
Transfers 60,397 2,605 363 829 $(64,194) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total revenue 132,838 138,296 $19,415 54,843 (64,194) 281,198
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss) (5,862) (12,591) (505) 486 3 (18,469)
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Identifiable assets 64,494 105,465 2,650 11,593 (36,953) 147,249
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
1996
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $ 56,868 $117,504 $16,712 1,901 -- $192,985
Transfers 65,877 13,083 874 472 $(80,306) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total revenue 122,745 130,587 17,586 2,373 (80,306) 192,985
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss) 318 (12,535) (839) (211) (1,448) (14,715)
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Identifiable assets 63,185 79,985 2,086 11,797 (15,916) 141,137
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
1995
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $ 54,735 $125,974 $16,877 -- -- $197,586
Transfers 57,972 12,630 - -- $(70,602) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total revenue 112,707 138,604 16,877 -- (70,602) 197,586
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss) 1,248 3,966 (330) -- (327) 4,557
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Identifiable assets 69,090 24,052 1,950 -- (6,984) 88,108
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------- --------
</TABLE>
44
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The section entitled "Election of Directors" appearing in the Company's
proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 28,
1998 sets forth certain information with respect to the directors of the
Company and is incorporated herein by reference. Certain information with
respect to persons who are or may be deemed to be executive officers of the
Company is set forth under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company" in
Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The section entitled "Executive Compensation" appearing in the Company's
proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 28,
1998 sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of
management of the Company and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The section entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management" appearing in the Company's proxy statement for the annual
meeting of stockholders to be held on May 28, 1998 sets forth certain
information with respect to the ownership of the Company's Common Stock and
is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The section entitled "Certain Transactions" appearing in the Company's
proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 28,
1998 sets forth certain information with respect to certain business
relationships and transactions between the Company and its directors and
officers and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements included in Item 8 herein:
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
45
<PAGE>
(2) Financial Statement Schedules included in Item 8 herein:
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
are not required under the related instructions or are
inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
(3) Exhibits:
The information required by this Item 14(a)(3) is set forth in
the Index to Exhibits accompanying this Annual Report on Form
10-K.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On October 21, 1997, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K dated
October 6, 1997 relating to the acquisition by the Company of the
minority interests in ABSA and IPHC. On November 28, 1997, the
Company filed a report on Form 8-K/A dated October 6, 1997 relating to
this acquisition and containing the following financial statements:
Unaudited pro forma condensed financial information of DNAP
Holding and its subsidiaries, consisting of:
Unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet as of September
30, 1997
Unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1996
Unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997
Notes to unaudited pro forma condensed financial statements
46
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, DNAP Holding Corporation has duly caused
this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized.
DNAP HOLDING CORPORATION
Date: March 30, 1998
By: /s/ BERNARDO JIMENEZ
------------------------------
Bernardo Jimenez,
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this Annual Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities
and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ BERNARDO JIMENEZ Chief Executive Officer March 30, 1998
- ---------------------------- and Chairman of the Board
Bernardo Jimenez (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ ARTHUR H. FINNEL Chief Financial Officer March 30, 1998
- ---------------------------- (Principal Financial and
Arthur H. Finnel Accounting Officer)
/s/ EVELYN BEREZIN Director March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------
Evelyn Berezin
/s/ NAM-HAI CHUA Director March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------
Nam-Hai Chua
Director March __, 1998
- ----------------------------
Peter Davis
- ---------------------------- Director March __, 1998
Francisco Gonzalez
/s/ CARLOS HERRERA Director March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------
Carlos Herrera
/s/ ERIK C. JURGENSEN Director March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------
Erik C. Jurgensen
/s/ GERALD LAUBACH Director March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------
Gerald Laubach
/s/ ROBERT SERENBETZ Director March 30, 1998
- ----------------------------
Robert Serenbetz
47
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------
3.1* Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company (filed as an exhibit to the Company's quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1996 and incorporated
herein by reference)
3.3* Bylaws of the Company
10.1* Loan Agreement dated as of January 26, 1996, between the Company and
DNAP
10.2* Assignment of Patents dated January 26, 1996, between the Company and
DNAP
10.3* Sole Patent License Agreement dated as of January 26, 1996, between
the Company and DNAP
10.4* Non-Exclusive Patent License Agreement dated as of January 26, 1996,
between the Company and DNAP
10.5* Promissory Note made January 26, 1996, by DNAP in favor of the Company
10.6 Governance Agreement dated as of September 26, 1996, between ELM and
the Company (filed as an exhibit to the Company's current report on
Form 8-K dated September 26, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference)
10.7 Long-Term Funded Research Agreement dated as of September 26, 1996,
between ELM and DNAP (filed as an exhibit to the Company's current
report on Form 8-K dated September 26, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference)
10.8 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 12, 1997, by and among
International Produce Holding Company, DNAP Holding Corporation, Raul
Batiz E., Pedro Batiz G., J. Guillermo Batiz G., and Raul Batiz G.
(filed as an exhibit to the Company's current report on Form 8-K dated
October 6, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9 First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 6,
1997, by and among International Produce Holding Company, DNAP Holding
Corporation, Raul Batiz E., Pedro Batiz G., J. Guillermo Batiz G., and
Raul Batiz G. (filed as an exhibit to the Company's current report on
Form 8-K dated October 6, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10 English-language summary of the CONVENIO RELATIVO AL EJERCICIO DEL
DERECHO DE RETIRO TOTAL DE APORTACIONES (Agreement Concerning the
Exercise of the Right of Withdrawal of all Contributions) dated August
29, 1997, by and among Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V., certain of its
shareholders, and DNAP Holding Corporation (filed as an exhibit to the
Company's current report on Form 8-K dated October 6, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference).
21.1 Subsidiaries
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
* Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (No. 333-09975) and incorporated herein by reference.
48
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES
NAME OF JURISDICTION OF
SUBSIDIARY INCORPORATION
- ---------- ---------------
DNA Plant Technology Corporation (1) Delaware
DNAP Technologies, Inc. (2) Delaware
FreshWorld Farms, Inc. (2) Delaware
DNAP Diagnostics, Inc. (2) Delaware
VPP Corporation (1) Delaware
International Produce Holding Company (1) Delaware
R.B. Packing, Inc. (3) Arizona
R.B. Packing of California, Inc. (3) California
R.B. Packing of Texas, Inc. (3) Texas
Batiz & Sons, Inc. (3) Arizona
Tanimura Distributing, Inc. (4) California
Premier Fruits & Vegetables BBL, Inc. (5) Quebec, Canada
Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V. (6) United Mexican States
Comercializadora Premier, S.A. de C.V. (7) United Mexican States
Interfruver de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (8) United Mexican States
Premier del Pacifico, S.A. de C.V. (9) United Mexican States
Excelencia en Frutas y Verduras, S.A. de C.V. (9) United Mexican States
Asesoria y Servicios del Noreste, S.A. de C.V. (9) United Mexican States
Siembra Cultivo y Cosecha del Noreste, S.A. de C.V. (10) United Mexican States
49
<PAGE>
(1) Wholly-owned subsidiary of DNAP Holding Corporation
(2) Wholly-owned subsidiary of DNA Plant Technology Corporation
(3) Wholly-owned subsidiary of International Produce Holding Company
(4) 75% owned by International Produce Holding Company
(5) 80% owned by International Produce Holding Company
(6) 80% owned by DNAP Holding Corporation
(7) Wholly-owned subsidiary of Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V.
(8) 50.01% owned by Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V.
(9) Wholly-owned by Interfruver de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
(10) 98% owned by Agricola Batiz, S.A. de C.V.
50
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997 JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1995
<CASH> 6,600 1,580
<SECURITIES> 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 40,815 32,556
<ALLOWANCES> 2,727 30
<INVENTORY> 17,779 14,730
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 63,085 48,978
<PP&E> 45,753 31,989
<DEPRECIATION> 9,233 6,217
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 147,249 88,108
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 109,384 54,725
<BONDS> 0 0
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 184 0
<OTHER-SE> 28,172 14,725
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 147,249 88,108
<SALES> 281,198 197,586
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 281,198 197,586
<CGS> 262,713 177,883
<TOTAL-COSTS> 299,667 193,029
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 5,704 8,521
<INCOME-PRETAX> (22,872) (5,222)
<INCOME-TAX> 1,426 2,132
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (24,298)<F1> (7,354)
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> (20,312) (3,844)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (1.11) (0.35)<F2>
<EPS-DILUTED> (1.11) (0.35)
<FN>
<F1>Net of loss relating to minority interests.
<F2>1995 submission included due to requirement to file previously omitted
EPS item.
</FN>
</TABLE>
