UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[FEE REQUIRED]
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED COMMISSION FILE
DECEMBER 31, 1995 NO. 0-15336
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC.
A FLORIDA CORPORATION - I.R.S. NO. 59-2807561
ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
ROAD 690, KILOMETER 5.8
VEGA ALTA, PUERTO RICO 00692
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER:
(809) 883-2570
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 $.001 PER SHARE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the
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 the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X].
The aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock, $.001 par value,
held by non-affiliates of the registrant: $1,635,393 (based on 687,140 shares
valued at a bid quote of $2.38 per share as of March 22, 1996).
The registrant had 1,895,322 shares of common stock, $.001 par value,
outstanding as of March 31, 1996.
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MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC.
1995 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
PART I
Item 1. Business........................................................... 1
Item 2. Properties......................................................... 11
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.................................................. 12
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................ 16
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters................................................ 17
Item 6. Selected Financial Data............................................ 18
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition................................. 20
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data........................ 27
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure................................ 27
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................ 28
Item 11. Executive Compensation............................................ 30
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management........................................................ 32
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................... 33
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
Form 8-K.......................................................... 35
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
The principal business of Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and its subsidiaries
(collectively, the "Company") is the production and distribution of tropical and
flowering plants. The Company's business is currently conducted at two nursery
farms - one in Puerto Rico and another in South Florida. The Puerto Rico
operation is also engaged in sales of lawn and garden products ( plastic and
terracotta pottery, potting soils, chemicals and fertilizers) as well as
landscaping design and installation services.
REORGANIZATION
On December 22, 1992, the Company reorganized its corporate structure so
that Margo Farms Del Caribe, Inc. ("Del Caribe"), one of the Company's
subsidiaries, became the new parent corporation in the corporate group. As part
of this reorganization, Del Caribe changed its corporate name to Margo Nursery
Farms, Inc. The reorganization was accomplished by merging the original parent
corporation, Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. ("Margo Farms"), into Margo Bay Farms,
Inc. ("Bay Farms"), a newly-organized subsidiary of Del Caribe. The merger did
not significantly affect the rights or economic interests of the shareholders of
the Company.
PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS
During 1995 and 1994, the Company conducted operations in Puerto Rico and
South Florida. These operations are described below.
PUERTO RICO OPERATIONS
The Company's operations in Puerto Rico are conducted at a 117 acre
nursery farm in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, approximately 25 miles west of San Juan.
The farm is leased from Michael J. Spector and Margaret Spector. See "CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS -- Lease and Option to Purchase Puerto
Rico Nursery Farm" herein. The Company's products are primarily utilized for the
interior and exterior landscaping of office buildings, shopping malls, hotels
and other commercial sites, as well as private residences. The Company produces
various types of palms, flowering and ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, bedding
plants and ground covers. Its customers are primarily located in Puerto Rico and
the Caribbean.
As a bona fide agricultural enterprise, the Company enjoys a 90% tax
deduction under Puerto Rico law from income derived from its production for
sales in Puerto Rico. It has also been granted a 90% tax exemption for income
derived from its export sales. The Company also receives credits for certain
federal income taxes under Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code. See "Income
Taxes" herein.
In January 1993, the Company formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Margo
Landscaping and Design, Inc. ("Margo Landscaping"), to continue its landscaping
business. Margo Landscaping provides landscaping services to customers in Puerto
Rico and the Caribbean, including landscape design and landscaping. Margo
Landscaping is also engaged in sales of lawn and garden products, including
plastic and terracotta pottery, planting media (soil, peat moss, etc.) and
mulch. During the fourth quarter of 1995, Margo Landscaping
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became a wholesaler for Monsanto Corporation's Solaris Group which includes the
Ortho, Roundup and Greensweep product lines (chemicals and pesticides).
2
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SOUTH FLORIDA OPERATIONS
The South Florida operation conducted through Bay Farms consists of a 71
acre nursery farm located approximately 20 miles south of Miami, Florida. In
August 1992, substantially all of the Company's facilities in South Florida were
destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. Prior to Hurricane Andrew, this farm produced a
large variety of palms, ficus, dracaena, aglonema and scheffelera. These plants
were sold to wholesalers, retailers and other customers located throughout the
United States, Canada and Western Europe. The Company's products were primarily
utilized for interior and exterior landscaping of office buildings, shopping
malls, hotels, other commercial sites and private residences. During 1993 and
1994, the Company rebuilt a portion of its facilities. Approximately 20 acres
are currently in production. During 1994, the South Florida operation resumed
sales, on a limited basis.
EUROPEAN OPERATIONS
In 1991, the Company formed Margo Imports, a Netherlands corporation, to
market Company products in Europe. In March 1993, the Company discontinued the
operations of Margo Imports in connection with the sale of a subsidiary, but has
kept Margo Imports active for possible future sales to Europe.
PRODUCTION
The Company's plants are propagated by using cuttings, plugs, liners, air
layers, seeds and tissue cultures. Cuttings are obtained from the Company's own
stock plants and from other nurseries for grow-out at the Company's facilities.
The newly planted cuttings take from two months to five years to mature into
finished products, depending on variety. Bedding plants and annuals take from
four to six weeks to mature.
The Company's products are either field grown or container grown,
depending on the variety of plant and where they are grown. Substantially all
products grown in South Florida are container grown. Most of these products
start out in small pots and are "stepped up" to larger pot sizes over time. The
Puerto Rico operation produces both field and container grown material, as well
as bedding plants and hanging baskets.
MARKETING
During 1995 and 1994 the Company's marketing efforts have been primarily
directed at customers served by the Puerto Rico operation. The marketing efforts
in South Florida resumed during 1994.
The principal customers of the Company are wholesalers, mass
merchandisers, retailers, garden centers, hotels, landscapers, government
projects and commercial businesses located in Puerto Rico, the mainland United
States and throughout the Caribbean. The Company targets construction and
government projects which require extensive landscaping. In addition, Margo
Landscaping provides landscaping design, installation and maintenance services
which complement the sales function. For large retailers in Puerto Rico (such as
Pueblo/X-tra, K-Mart, Wal-Mart and Builders Square) the Company develops
promotional programs which include deliveries to customer outlets and special
pricing based on volume.
During 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company's single largest customer for
each of such years, accounted for approximately 28% (Builders Square), 20%
(Builders Square) and 12% (Flora del Caribe), respectively, of the Company's net
sales.
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The Company currently has no long-term (over one year) delivery contracts
with customers, including landscaping contracts.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth information regarding operations at each
of the Company's operating locations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993. The information is provided after the elimination of intercompany
transactions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ----
(Amounts in 000's)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SALES BY LOCATION:
South Florida $ 446 $ 229 $ -
Puerto Rico:
Plants 3,093 2,892 2,077
Lawn and Garden products 940 271 42
Landscaping 455 287 371
------- ------- -------
$ 4,934 $ 3,679 $ 2,490
======= ======= =======
OPERATING PROFIT (LOSS) BY LOCATION:
South Florida $ (501) $ (460) $ (167)
Puerto Rico 173 148 (209)
Netherlands (5) (4) (77)
------- ------- -------
$ (333) $ (316) $ (453)
======= ======= =======
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS BY LOCATION:
South Florida $ 8,803 $ 8,808 $ 9,160
Puerto Rico 6,596 7,119 6,157
Netherlands 2 4 8
------- ------- -------
$15,401 $15,931 $15,325
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
TRADE NAMES AND TRADEMARK
The Company utilizes the Trade Names "Margo Farms" and "Margo Farms Del
Caribe," and has registered the name "Margo Farms" as a trademark with the
United States Department of Commerce Patent and Trademark Office. In addition,
the Company has registered the trademark "Rain Forest" with the Department of
State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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COMPETITION
At the present time, the Company's sales efforts are primarily focused in
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In the Caribbean, the Company enjoys a
significant advantage over its competitors because it is the largest producer of
quality nursery products in this region. The Company continues expanding its
operations in Puerto Rico. Most of the Company's competitors in the Caribbean
are small nurseries and landscapers.
The South Florida operations are subject to significant competition due
to the large number of tropical foliage growers in the United States.
Competition in the United States is based on quality, price, availability and
service.
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SEASONALITY
The demand for plants in the United States is seasonal in nature, with
increased demand during spring and fall, and lower demand in summer and winter.
The demand in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean is less seasonal.
WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY
The nursery industry requires producers to maintain large quantities of
stock plants and inventory to meet customer demand and to assure a new source of
products in the future. As a result, producers need to invest significant
amounts of capital in stock plants and inventory. The Company believes that it
has sufficient working capital from cash flow generated from operations and
short-term borrowings.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1995, the Company (Puerto Rico and South Florida) had 135
full time employees, of which 120 were directly involved in nursery production
activities, and 15 in sales, accounting and administration. None of its
employees are represented by a union.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") inspects cuttings
imported into the United States by the Company. In addition, USDA regulations
control various aspects of the Company's plant production process, including
restrictions on the types of pesticides and fertilizers. All pesticides and
fertilizers utilized by the Company are approved by the Environmental Protection
Agency, as required by USDA regulations. The USDA prohibits the importation of
foreign soil into the United States and limits the size of plants that can be
imported into the United States. Puerto Rico is considered part of the United
States for purposes of the USDA regulations.
Shipments of products may also be subject to inspections by certain state
officials. These officials may quarantine or destroy plants that are
contaminated or infected by hazardous organisms.
The Company's operations in the United States are subject to the Fair
Labor Standards Act which governs such matters as minimum wage requirements,
overtime and other working conditions. A large number of the Company's personnel
are paid at or just above the federal minimum wage level and, accordingly,
changes in such minimum wage rate affect the Company's labor costs.
NATURAL HAZARDS
The Company's operations are vulnerable to severe weather, such as
hurricanes, flood, freezes and, to a lesser extent, plant disease and pests. In
1989, Hurricane Hugo destroyed most of the Company's facilities in Puerto Rico
and in 1992 Hurricane Andrew destroyed substantially all of the Company's
facilities in South Florida. In both cases, the Company had adequate insurance
coverage for its damages. The Company believes that it currently maintains
adequate insurance coverage for its facilities and equipment. As of December 31,
1995, the Company had been unable to obtain adequate crop insurance coverage at
a reasonable cost for its
6
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inventories. Nevertheless, while no assurance can be given, the Company expects
that it will be able to obtain crop insurance during the second quarter of 1996.
7
<PAGE>
The Company believes it has taken reasonable precautions to protect its
plants and operations from natural hazards. In Puerto Rico, the Company's new
facilities are being constructed with fabricated steel in order to reduce the
damage from any future storms. Each of the Company's operations currently has
access to a plentiful water supply and facilities for the protection of many of
their weather-sensitive plants.
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
The Company is primarily engaged in one industry segment, the production
and marketing of tropical and flowering plants and the sale of related lawn and
garden products. Certain financial information concerning this industry segment
is set forth in Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition and in the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements included as Item 8 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
FUTURE OPERATIONS
The Company will continue to concentrate its economic and managerial
resources in expanding its operations in Puerto Rico. The Company's Board of
Directors has concluded that these operations present attractive opportunities
for the future. The Board believes that the Company should continue to
capitalize its advantage as one of the largest, full service nurseries in the
region.
The Company has achieved a history of good margins in Puerto Rico because
of the variety and quality of its inventory. The Company believes that it can
increase its sales and margins by investing in a larger and more sophisticated
facility and by increasing the size and variety of its inventory. Based on the
foregoing, in late 1992 and throughout 1993, the Company substantially improved
and expanded its growing facilities in Puerto Rico. During January 1994, the
Company leased approximately 27 more acres adjacent to its nursery facilities in
Vega Alta, Puerto Rico and is in the process of completing this tract of land
for additional production. The Company also began production and sales of
bedding plants and annuals during late 1993 which provided increased sales
during 1994 and 1995 and should continue to provide increased sales in the
future.
In January 1993, the Company formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Margo
Landscaping and Design, Inc. ("Margo Landscaping") to perform the Company's
landscaping business in Puerto Rico. Among various landscaping projects that
Margo Landscaping has for 1996 is a contract with a local construction company
to landscape a new U.S. Coast Guard Housing Project located in Bayamon, Puerto
Rico for approximately $600,000.
During the third quarter of 1993, Margo Landscaping commenced with sales
of hard goods, principally Italian terracotta pottery. During 1994, sales of
plastic pottery proved to have a high demand. During the first quarter of 1995,
Margo Landscaping became involved in the sale of planting media which includes
bagged potting soil, peat moss, cypress mulch, pine bark nuggets, etc.
During 1995, the Company was named the exclusive distributor for
Sunniland Corporation's fertilizer and pesticide products for Puerto Rico.
Sunniland Corporation, based in Sanford, Florida, is a leading manufacturer of
fertilizer and pesticide products for mass merchandisers, retail chains, garden
centers, supermarkets and landscapers.
8
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On September 28, 1995, the Company entered into a wholesale agreement
with Monsanto Puerto Rico, a division of Monsanto Company, to become a
wholesaler of the Solaris product line, which includes Roundup, Ortho and
Greensweep, in Puerto Rico and certain other locations in the Caribbean. The
Company is already marketing the Solaris product line in Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, the Netherlands Antilles and the British West Indies.
The Company believes that the addition of the Sunniland and Solaris
product lines together with increased sales of other products will result in
lawn and garden products representing an increasing proportion of the Company's
overall sales. Margo Landscaping is the company engaged in sales of these
product lines.
In August 1995, the Company formed another wholly-owned Puerto Rico
subsidiary, Rain Forest Products Group, Inc. ("Rain Forest"). Commencing in
1996, Rain Forest will be engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of
potting soils, sugar cane mulch, professional growing mixes, river rock and
gravels throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The Company has requested a
tax exemption grant from the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for
the operations of Rain Forest.
In South Florida, the Board decided to rebuild a portion of the Company's
facilities and resume limited production and marketing of plants. In this
connection, during 1993 the Company built a 3.9 acre saran house and prepared 16
acres of sun growing area for new plant production. During 1994, the South
Florida operation resumed sales on a limited basis. The Company intends to
carefully monitor the viability of the South Florida operation, particularly in
light of the difficulties in obtaining low cost labor in South Florida and
rising insurance costs, and lack of profitability.
INCOME TAXES
As a Florida corporation, the Company is subject to federal income taxes
on its worldwide operations and Puerto Rico income taxes on its Puerto Rico
operation. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Company has elected the benefits of
Section 936 ("Section 936") of the Internal Revenue Code. For taxable years
beginning prior to December 31, 1993, corporations that met certain requirements
and elected the benefits of Section 936 ("Section 936 Corporations") were
entitled to a credit against their United States corporate income tax for the
portion of such tax attributable to (i) income derived from the active conduct
of a trade or business within Puerto Rico ("active business income") or from the
sale or exchange of substantially all assets used in the active conduct of such
trade or business and (ii) qualified possession source investment income
("QPSII"). These benefits were reduced for taxable years commencing after
December 31, 1993, as described below.
To qualify under Section 936 in any given taxable year a corporation must
derive (i) for the three-year period immediately preceding the end of such
taxable year, 80% or more of it gross income from sources within Puerto Rico and
(ii) 75% or more of its gross income from the active conduct of a trade or
business in Puerto Rico.
9
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The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 amended various provisions
of Section 936. The amendments (the "OBRA Amendments"), which are generally
effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993, permit a taxpayer
to compute the tax credit available under Section 936 as under prior law but
limit the amount of credit allowed as determined under one of two alternatives
to be selected at the option of the taxpayer. Under the first alternative, the
limit is equal to a fixed percentage of the amount of tax credit allowable under
prior law. This fixed percentage commenced at 60% for taxable years beginning in
1994 and is reduced by 5% per year until 1998. For taxable years beginning in
1998 such percentage would be 40%. Under the second alternative, which is based
on the amount of economic activity conducted by the taxpayer in Puerto Rico, the
credit may not exceed the sum of the following three components: (i) 60% of the
qualified possession wages and 15% of allocable fringe benefits paid by the
taxpayer, (ii) applicable percentages of certain depreciation deductions claimed
for regular tax purposes by the taxpayer with respect to qualified tangible
property and (iii) a portion of the possession income taxes paid by the taxpayer
except where the taxpayer uses the profit-split method for determining its
income. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the OBRA Amendments did not affect
the Company's business or financial condition, since as a relatively labor
intensive business, the Company was able to derive substantial benefit from the
new wage credit.
For information regarding certain proposals to repeal Section 936, refer
to Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition - Amendment to Section 936."
The Company is also subject to Puerto Rico income taxes from its Puerto
Rico operations. Subject to certain limitations, the Company's federal income
tax liability is creditable against its Puerto Rico income tax liability. The
Company has obtained a grant of tax exemption from the Puerto Rico government
under the Puerto Rico Tax Incentive Act of 1987, granting it an exemption from
income tax on 90% of its income derived on the Company's export sales from
Puerto Rico. The grant expires in 2002. The Puerto Rico government also provides
a 90% tax deduction for income derived from the Company's agricultural
production within Puerto Rico.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
During 1995, the Company conducted its operations from nursery facilities
located in Puerto Rico and South Florida.
PUERTO RICO NURSERY FACILITY
The Company leases a 117 acre nursery facility in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico,
approximately 25 miles west of San Juan. The facility consists of approximately
1,130,000 square feet of shade houses, propagation and mist facilities, as well
as a new 10,000 square foot warehouse for the Company's lawn and garden
products. The nursery facility also has irrigation equipment and pump houses,
shipping and storage areas, corporate offices and two homes for field
supervisors.
The Puerto Rico facility is leased from Michael J. Spector and Margaret
D. Spector (the "Spectors"), who are officers, directors and the major
shareholders of the Company, pursuant to a lease agreement dated as of January
1, 1993. The lease has an initial term of five years and may be renewed for one
additional term of five years at the option of the Company. During the initial
term of the lease, rent is $19,000 per month. During the renewal term, the rent
increases to the greater of $24,000 per month, or the original $19,000 per month
adjusted on the basis of the increase in the Wholesale Price Index ("WPI")
published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
from the WPI which was in effect on January 1, 1993 to the WPI in effect on
January 1, 1998. Additionally, the Company must pay all taxes on the property,
maintain certain insurance coverage and otherwise maintain and care for the
property. The lease also contains an option which permits the Company to
purchase the property at its appraised value at any time during the term of the
lease. In consideration of the option, the Company must pay $1,000 per month.
Effective January 1, 1994, the lease agreement was amended to include an
additional 27 acres of land adjacent to the nursery facility for a five year
period at a monthly rental of $1,750. This amendment does not provide for
renewal nor purchase options for this tract of land.
During the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, total lease payments
amounted to $249,000. In January 1993, following Hurricane Andrew, the Company
relocated its corporate offices to the Puerto Rico facility.
SOUTH FLORIDA NURSERY FACILITY
The Company's original nursery farm is located on a 51 acre parcel,
approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Miami. This facility, including the
land, is owned by the Company. On August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed
substantially all of the improvements at this farm. These improvements formerly
included 1,144,000 square feet of enclosed growing area, consisting of
greenhouses, various types of shade houses, mist propagation houses and a 48,000
square foot fog propagation house. Approximately 671,000 square feet of the
enclosed areas were heated. This farm also had approximately 1,321,000 square
feet of sun growing areas and stock fields. All production areas were irrigated
with overhead sprinklers. Other improvements on the property included a business
office, shipping building and warehouses. At the present time, the Company has
completed the construction of a new 3.9 acre saran house, a 20,000 square feet
propagation house, as well as 16 acres of sun growing area for new production on
land located near its South Florida nursery farm which is also owned by the
Company.
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In December 1991, the Company's principal lender filed a complaint in
Dade County, Florida to foreclose its mortgage on the Company's South Florida
facilities. See Item 3 - Legal Proceedings.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
On November 17, 1988, the Company obtained a $4,300,000 term loan and a
revolving credit facility (the "Facility") with an institutional lender. The
Facility consisted of two term loans in the aggregate amount of $2,800,000 and a
revolving term line of credit in the amount of $1,500,000. The Facility was
modified on March 16, 1990 and May 31, 1991.
The first term loan was originally payable in equal monthly principal
payments of $12,500 plus interest commencing on January 2, 1989, with a final
payment of $1,512,500 due on December 2, 1993. The second term loan was payable
in equal monthly principal payments of $3,055 plus interest commencing on
September 2, 1989, with a final payment of $394,167 due on December 2, 1993. The
amounts available under the revolving credit line were originally scheduled to
be reduced to $700,000 on July 2, 1991 and $300,000 on July 2, 1992, with a
final maturity on June 2, 1993.
On May 31, 1991, the Company entered into a modification to its loan
agreement (the "Modification"), under which the Company's lender waived the
Company's violations of the loan agreement as of December 31, 1990. The
Modification also established new covenants and required the Company to repay
the Facility as follows: (a) past due interest of $231,328 through April 15,
1991 was payable in seven equal monthly installments of $33,047 commencing on
May 15, 1991; (b) accrued interest after April 15, 1991 was payable monthly,
commencing on June 15, 1991; (c) the principal balance of $2,492,327 under the
term loans was payable in monthly installments of $15,555 commencing on December
15, 1991, with a final installment of $2,134,562 due December 2, 1993; (d) the
principal balance of $1,099,914 under the revolving credit line was payable on
May 31, 1992 (with the option to postpone $550,000 until December 2, 1993 if the
Company was not in default under the Facility).
Under the provisions of the term loans and revolving credit line, the
Company's future borrowings were restricted and it was required, among other
things, to maintain certain liquidity and other financial ratios. During 1991,
the Company violated some of these covenants primarily due to losses suffered by
the Company as a result of the Company's use and application of Benlate DF 50, a
fungicide manufactured by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. ("DuPont"). The Company
wrote down its inventories after experts determined that the Company's
inventories were contaminated.
In September 1991 First Union National Bank of Florida ("First Union")
acquired the Company's loans from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"). In December 1991, First Union filed a complaint against the Company,
Margo Imports, Tropiflower, Inc. and Michael J. Spector, the Company's President
and principal shareholder, in the Circuit Court for Dade County, Florida. In its
complaint, First Union alleged that the Company was in default under its loan
agreement. As of December 31, 1995, the principal balance of the loan was
approximately $3,600,000. The loan was guaranteed by Margo Farms del Caribe,
Inc. (now Margo Nursery Farms, Inc.), Margo Imports, and Tropiflower, Inc.,
another of the Company's subsidiaries. Mr. Spector also guaranteed $500,000 of
the loan.
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The Facility bears interest at 45 basis points over the prime rate. After
default, the Facility calls for the interest rate to increase by 5% per annum.
At December 31, 1995, the annual borrowing rate was 8.95% and the default rate
was 13.95%. The Company is continuing to accrue interest at a rate that
approximates the annual borrowing rate. Accrued interest on the Facility,
included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements amounted to
approximately $1,307,000 at December 31, 1995. Accrued interest at December 31,
1995, calculated at the default rate is approximately $2,000,000. This latter
sum is the amount First Union is claiming it is owed in interest through
December 31, 1995.
First Union's complaint also seeks an award of First Union's attorneys'
fees and costs. First Union has advised the Company that First Union's
attorneys' fees and collection costs through December 31, 1995 are in excess of
$2,000,000. The additional interest and attorneys' fees claimed by First Union
are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The
Company believes that the amounts sought by First Union are unreasonable and
that there is significant uncertainty as to First Union's entitlement to these
amounts.
In early 1992, First Union amended its complaint to foreclose its
mortgage on the Company's nursery farm in Dade County, Florida. First Union also
brought an action in Puerto Rico against the Company. The Company has filed
counterclaims against First Union, alleging that the bank tortiously interfered
with the Company's negotiations with DuPont and breached its fiduciary duties to
the Company. In connection with its counterclaims, the Company is seeking
punitive damages from First Union.
In 1992, the Florida court denied several of First Union's motions,
including motions to strike or dismiss the Company's counterclaims, to strike
the demands for jury trial and for partial summary judgement on the Company's
counterclaim. In addition, the United States District Court for the District of
Puerto Rico denied First Union's motions to remand the case to Puerto Rico state
court, dismiss the Company's counterclaim, and strike the Company's prayers for
punitive damages (in the amount of 10% of First Union's net worth).
In March 1993, First Union filed a second amended complaint in the
Florida action against the Company and its subsidiaries, Michael Spector and
DuPont. In this complaint, First Union restated most of its prior allegations,
including those made against the Company in Puerto Rico. In addition, First
Union brought a claim for restitution seeking a constructive trust on the
proceeds from the Company's settlement of its tort claims against DuPont, a
claim for restitution arising from the insurance payments received by the
Company as a result of Hurricane Andrew (which seeks a constructive trust on
such funds), a claim for defamation against the Company and Michael Spector
based upon statements made by Mr. Spector regarding First Union and its dealings
with the Company, a claim against Mr. Spector, the Company and DuPont for
conversion and destruction of collateral (arising from the damages caused by
Benlate), a claim for strict liability against DuPont, a claim for negligence
and a claim against the Company for an alleged fraudulent conveyance. First
Union is also seeking punitive damages in connection with its defamation claim.
The Company has answered First Union's new claims and has reasserted its
counterclaims. The Company also moved for summary judgement on some of First
Union's new claims and in response to such motion, the Florida court dismissed
First Union's conversion claim.
Shortly after First Union filed its new complaint, DuPont moved to
dismiss First Union's claims against it. After a hearing on DuPont's motion, the
court granted DuPont's motion. Thus far, First Union has not refiled its claims
against DuPont.
13
<PAGE>
In late 1993, First Union moved for partial summary judgement against the
Company on First Union's claims on the promissory notes executed by the Company,
as well as the guaranty executed by the Company in Puerto Rico. As part of its
motion, First Union again sought the entry of judgement against the Company on
its counterclaims. Following the Company's vigorous opposition of First Union's
motion, the court denied First Union's motion in its entirety. Notwithstanding
this ruling, First Union recently filed another summary judgment motion, which
the Company has once again opposed. The Court recently denied First Union's
latest summary judgement motion.
14
<PAGE>
Moreover, First Union has convinced the United States District Court in
Puerto Rico to stay the case in Puerto Rico. Thereafter, the Puerto Rican court
dismissed the case without prejudice, with the view to allowing the litigation
to take place exclusively before the Florida court at this time. Accordingly,
the Company does not expect there to be any activity in the Puerto Rico case in
the near future.
The Company has been engaged in settlement discussions with First Union
over the last several months. If a settlement of the litigation cannot be
consummated, the Company will continue to vigorously defend against the claims
brought by First Union and pursue its counterclaims against First Union.
However, there currently is no set date in which this action will be tried.
At the time of the Company's September 1992 settlement with DuPont,
DuPont required the Company to deposit $4,000,000 of the settlement amount with
a third party escrow agent to cover the amounts First Union is seeking under the
loan agreement. First Union has sought to garnish these funds and the Company
has opposed First Union's garnishment motion. Additionally, as of December 31,
1995, the Company had on deposit approximately $2,200,000 of insurance payments
(including interest) received as a result of Hurricane Andrew damage with the
Clerk of the Court of Dade County pending the outcome of the litigation. These
amounts are reflected on the Company's balance sheet as restricted cash.
As part of the Company's settlement with DuPont, the Company agreed to
indemnify DuPont from liability to First Union that might arise out of the
payment by DuPont to the Company in settlement of the Benlate claims. The
Company does not expect that it will be required to indemnify DuPont from the
claims made by First Union. Nevertheless, DuPont has demanded indemnity from the
Company for DuPont's having been sued by First Union. At this point, the Company
has denied DuPont's request for indemnity. However, this issue has not been
conclusively determined and DuPont has not filed suit against the Company on
this issue.
15
<PAGE>
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable
16
<PAGE>
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCK HOLDER
MATTERS
The Company's common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the
symbol MRGO.
The following table sets forth the high and low bid quotes of the
Company's common stock, as reported by NASDAQ for each of the calendar quarters
of 1995 and 1994. The quotations represent the high and low bid quotes between
dealers, do not include commissions, markups or markdowns, and may not represent
actual transactions.
1995 BID QUOTES 1994 BID QUOTES
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
QUARTER: HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
- ------- ---- --- ---- ---
First $2-3/8 $2-1/4 $4-1/4 $3-3/4
Second 3 2-1/4 3-5/8 3
Third 4-3/4 2-3/4 3 2-3/8
Fourth 4 2-3/4 2-5/8 2-3/8
There were approximately 93 holders of record of the common stock as of
December 31, 1995. These amounts include custodians, brokers and other
institutions which hold the common stock as nominees for an undetermined number
of beneficial owners.
The Company did not pay any dividends on its common stock during 1995 or
1994. However, on February 5, 1993, the Company paid a special $4.00 per common
share cash dividend to shareholders of record as of January 25, 1993. The
payment of cash dividends in the future is dependent upon the earnings, cash
position and capital needs of the Company, as well as other matters deemed
relevant by the Company's Board of Directors.
Dividends paid on the Company's Common Stock are subject to a 10%
withholding tax at source under Puerto Rico tax laws. United States shareholders
may be entitled to a foreign tax credit, subject to certain limitations, in
connection with the imposition of the withholding tax. The Company recommends
that shareholders consult their own tax advisors regarding this issue.
17
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data has been taken from the
Consolidated Financial Statements included with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7 -
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Statement Data: 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales $4,933,718 $3,679,367 $2,489,881 $2,150,373 $2,080,374
Gross Profit 1,777,358 1,467,202 1,282,636 740,840 613,569
Selling, general and administrative 2,110,380 1,782,840 1,735,929 2,687,395 2,329,080
expenses
Loss from operations (333,022) (315,638) (453,293) (1,946,555) (1,715,511)
Loss before income tax provision
(benefit), extraordinary item
and cumulative effect on prior
years of accounting change (386,334) (386,798) (420,280) (3,397,404) (2,240,201)
Extraordinary item, net - - 4,358,147 19,090,748 (809,225)
Cumulative effect on prior years of
applying new method of accounting
for income taxes - - 899,220 - -
Net income (loss) (396,334) (510,798) 4,949,887 15,678,344 (3,059,426)
Net income (loss) per common share ($.21) ($.27) $2.62 $9.28 ($1.82)
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding 1,895,322 1,895,322 1,892,572 1,685,617 1,685,200
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital (deficiency) $5,020,099 $5,580,916 $6,039,687 $13,615,074 ($3,997,505)
Total assets 15,400,582 15,930,657 15,325,420 23,841,739 6,930,407
Long-term debt 354,707 372,424 5,293 139,528 1,097,038
Stockholders' equity (deficit) 8,848,402 9,244,855 9,755,704 12,319,256 (3,328,910)
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION
For the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company incurred a net loss of
$396,000, compared to a net loss of $511,000 in 1994 and net income of
$4,950,000 in 1993. These amounts represent a loss of $.21 and $.27 per common
share for 1995 and 1994, respectively, and an income per common share of $2.62
for 1993. The reason for the change in results of operations between 1995 and
1994 with 1993, is that net income for 1993 includes extraordinary gains of
$4,358,000, while 1995 and 1994 do not include any extraordinary gains.
As discussed under "Item 1 - Natural Hazards", the Company's operations
are vulnerable to severe weather. Notwithstanding the precautionary measures
taken to mitigate physical damage from severe weather conditions, the indirect
effects on the consumer, and hence, the local economy, will have an impact on
the Company's operations. The Company believes that it currently maintains
adequate insurance coverage for its facilities and equipment. As of December 31,
1995, the Company had been unable to obtain adequate crop insurance coverage at
a reasonable cost for its inventories. Nevertheless, while no assurance can be
given, the Company expects that it will be able to obtain crop insurance during
the second quarter of 1996.
During September 1995, Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn affected Puerto Rico
and the Northeast Caribbean. Although Puerto Rico did not receive a direct
strike from both hurricanes, tropical storm winds and gusts were experienced,
resulting in a loss of sales for half of the month of September, as well as
early October. From an overall perspective, sales for 1995 increased by 34% over
1994, principally as a result of increased sales of lawn and garden products
sold during 1995.
During 1994, the Company's operations were adversely affected by a
drought which affected Puerto Rico heavily during the second and third quarters.
Cost of sales as a percent of net sales increased by 12% for 1994 when compared
with 1993, principally due to the effects of the drought.
During 1990 and 1991, the Company incurred substantial losses (at all of
its locations) as a result of the write-off of plant material which was
determined to be contaminated by the use of Benlate DF 50, a defective fungicide
manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. ("DuPont").
During 1992, the Company settled its major claims with DuPont and
recognized substantial extraordinary gains.
For 1993, the Company's results of operations continued to reflect the
effects of the Benlate contamination of its inventories during prior years.
During 1993, after obtaining the necessary permits from the Puerto Rico
Environmental Quality Board, the Company commenced the removal of contaminated
material at its Puerto Rico nursery facility. In this regard DuPont agreed to
pay the Company $1.5 million in order to assume responsibility for the disposal
of contaminated material. As a result, DuPont was released from any liability
which may arise from the disposal of this material. For the year ended December
31, 1993, costs associated with this disposal agreement amounted to $730,000
including maintenance, storage and disposal of the contaminated material, as
well as legal expenses, income tax and other related costs. The proceeds from
the disposal agreement net of the related costs incurred ($770,000) have been
classified as extraordinary income in the Company's consolidated statement of
operations for the year ended December 31, 1993.
20
<PAGE>
During September 1993, the Company determined it had no substantial
obligations arising from sales of products which may have been contaminated with
the defective fungicide, therefore, the Company recognized revenues deferred
during 1992 and 1991 as extraordinary income in the amount of $3,588,000, net of
$899,000 of income taxes previously paid for those years. These income taxes
paid in previous years have been presented as the "cumulative effect on prior
years of applying a new method of accounting for income taxes" pursuant to
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109").
For the year ended December 31, 1993 income per common share includes
$2.30 per share related to the extraordinary items discussed above amounting to
approximately $4,358,000 as well as $.48 income per common share from the
cumulative effect on prior years of applying SFAS No. 109.
During 1988, the Company entered into various agreements with the
shareholders of Cariplant, S.A., ("Cariplant") a Dominican Republic company.
Among the agreements, the Company had the option to purchase 100% of the
outstanding common stock of Cariplant through March 1, 1993.
During March 1993, the Company exercised its option to purchase the
outstanding common shares of Cariplant for approximately $671,000, plus other
incidental costs. Also, during March 1993, the Company entered into an agreement
and sold Cariplant to Altec International, C. por A., ("Altec") another
Dominican Republic company.
In consideration for the sale of the Cariplant stock, the Company
received a promissory note of $1,015,000 and the forgiveness of $1,842,000 in
debt owed by the Company to Cariplant (primarily from advances made by Cariplant
to the Company of the DuPont payments). This consideration was reduced by the
Company's agreement to pay $84,000 mortgage loan of Cariplant.
As of December 31, 1993, the promissory note's outstanding balance was
$996,962. From the inception of the note, the Company received several payments,
however, Altec has been unable to comply with the terms of the note. At the
present time, Company management is in process of modifying the repayment terms
of the outstanding balance and obtaining a mortgage on Cariplant's property and
equipment. During 1994, due to unfavorable collection experience as well as
current difficulties of operating in the Dominican Republic, Company management
wrote down the carrying amount of the note to $316,000, representing the
estimated value of Cariplant's land and related improvements, including
buildings, shadehouses and fixed and installed equipment, recording a write-down
on the note of approximately $681,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994.
As a result of the sale of Cariplant to Altec, the Company incurred a
loss of $641,000, of which $600,000 were recognized in 1992 and $41,000 in 1993.
In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed substantially all of the
Company's facilities and production inventory in South Florida. After the
hurricane, the Company prepared and submitted insurance claims based on the
damage caused by the storm. As of December 31, 1994, the Company had collected
all of the proceeds arising from its insurance claims.
21
<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SALES
Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 1995 were
$4,934,000, representing a 34% increase from 1994 sales of $3,679,000. Sales for
1995 and 1994 represent sales made by Puerto Rico and South Florida (on a much
smaller scale than Puerto Rico). During 1993, South Florida did not engage in
sales due to the Benlate contamination and Hurricane Andrew. The increase in
sales for 1995 when compared to 1994 is principally due to increased sales of
lawn and garden products, which increased by 247% in 1995 when compared to 1994
($940,000 in 1995 and $271,000 in 1994).
The increase in sales of 48% for 1994 when compared to 1993, was due to
increased sales of ornamental and bedding plants as well as lawn and gardens
products (the latter began very limited sales in the fourth quarter of 1993) to
national retail chains, which had a greater number of stores open in Puerto Rico
during 1994.
GROSS PROFITS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
Company's costs and expenses as a percentage of net sales.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ----
Net sales................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales............................... 63.9 60.2 48.5
------ ------ ------
Gross profit................................ 36.1 39.8 51.5
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................. 42.7 48.4 69.7
------ ------ ------
Loss from operations........................ (6.6) (8.6) (18.2)
Interest income (expense), net.............. .7 (.7) (1.4)
Other income (expense) - net................ (1.8) (1.2) 2.7
Loss before income tax provision (benefit).. (7.8) (10.5) (16.9)
Income tax provision (benefit).............. .2 3.4 (4.5)
Loss before extraordinary income and
cumulative effect of (8.0) (13.9) (12.4)
accounting change...........................
Extraordinary income (loss)................. - - 175.1
Cumulative effect of accounting change...... - - 36.1
------ ------ ------
Net income (loss) .......................... (8.0) (13.9) 198.8
====== ====== ======
The table above reflects that consolidated gross profits as a percentage
of net sales were approximately 36%, 40%, and 52% for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
22
<PAGE>
The decrease in gross profit of 4% for 1995 when compared to 1994 was the
result of a valuation reserve provided for overproduction of plants in South
Florida of approximately $250,000. Had this reserve not been recognized, gross
profit for 1995 and 1994 would have remained comparable. However, management
understands that a 40% gross profit (for both 1995 and 1994) is not
representative of its operations due to various factors described below.
Nevertheless, sales of lawn and garden products, which increased significantly
during 1995, have a lower gross profit than plants.
From the commencement of the second quarter of 1994 through the first
quarter of 1995, Puerto Rico and the northeast Caribbean suffered a severe
drought. This drought reduced the Company's product turnover, causing plants to
absorb increased overhead costs. The result was a significant reduction in gross
profit throughout 1994, as well as the first quarter and portion for the second
quarter of 1995.
The Company's production costs have also increased since late 1994. Among
the various costs which have increased are rent for the Company's facilities,
chemicals and fertilizers and various payroll taxes. Notwithstanding the
increase in production costs, Company management determined not to increase
selling prices through the end of the second quarter of 1995 in order to
continue to obtain a greater share of the market. Effective July 1, 1995 selling
prices of several high demand products were increased together with reductions
in volume discounts to various customers.
During 1994, the drought caused a marked decrease in landscaping services
provided and sales of field nursery plants to independent landscapers, as well
as sales of ornamental plants to retail chain stores. Field nursery plants used
for landscaping services, have a higher gross profit than ornamentals. As a
result of the drought and the strict water rationing measures implemented by the
Puerto Rico government, most landscaping projects were postponed for
commencement by developers and/or general contractors. As a result of the
drought experienced during 1994, gross profit decreased by 12% when compared
with 1993.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
The Company's selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were
$2,110,000 for 1995, which represented an 18% increase from 1994 expenses of
$1,783,000. SG&A expenses for 1993 were $1,735,000.
The increase in SG&A for 1995 is the result of continued increases in
selling, shipping and warehousing expenses when compared to 1994 and 1993 (in
order to provide increased sales). As a result of increased sales for 1995, SG&A
as a percentage of sales decreased to 43% when compared to 48% for 1994 and 70%
for 1993.
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
Interest income for 1995 increased by 25% when compared with 1994. This
is the result of increased yields obtained on invested funds (principally
restricted cash) during 1995, when compared to 1994 and 1993, with similar
principal balances invested.
Interest expense for 1995, 1994 and 1993 represents the Company's
interest accrual on debt which is subject to litigation with the Company's
principal lender. The 8% and 12% increases for 1995 and 1994 are the result of
increased short and long term borrowings during these years.
23
<PAGE>
Litigation expenses for 1995, 1994 and 1993 have been classified as other
expenses in order to provide more comparable results of operations, and
represent legal fees incurred in connection with ongoing litigation. Litigation
expenses will vary depending on developments on each particular case and time
incurred by the Company's legal counsel. Litigation expenses for 1995 and 1994
are presented net of reimbursements of legal fees of $112,000 and $110,948
respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company wrote down the carrying
value of the note receivable resulting from the sale of Cariplant to Altec by
$680,962. This write-down represented management's assessment regarding the
note's collection experience as well as the country (Dominican Republic) in
which the debtor operates.
The gain on insurance proceeds due to Hurricane Andrew for 1994 and 1993
represents the excess of funds received over the book values of assets destroyed
as a result of the storm.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
At December 31, 1995, the Company's financial condition continues
favorable, despite the reduction in shareholders' equity as a result of the net
loss of $396,000 for the year. Notwithstanding a decrease of working capital of
$561,000 during 1995 ($5,020,000 in 1995 vs. $5,581,000 in 1994), the Company's
current ratio continued strong at December 31, 1995 (1.8 to 1 in 1995 vs. 1.9 to
1 in 1994).
At December 31, 1995, the Company had cash of $785,000 and short term
investments of $500,000. As of such date, the Company also had restricted cash
of $6,733,000 received from the settlement with DuPont ($4,000,000 plus
interest) and insurance claims arising from Hurricane Andrew ($2,000,000 plus
accrued interest), which are restricted pending the outcome of the Company's
litigation with its principal lender.
During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company's inventories
increased by $321,000 (net of an increase in the valuation reserve of $250,000)
and the Company purchased $423,000 in additional equipment. This is consistent
with the Board's continued intent to become the largest grower and distributor
of tropical and flowering plants and lawn and garden products in the Caribbean.
The Company believes that it has adequate resources to meet its current
liquidity and capital requirements, including its principal liability of
$4,899,000 (including accrued interest) in debt currently subject to litigation
with its principal lender.
Total assets decreased by 3% as of December 31, 1995 compared to December
31, 1994, principally as a result of the repayment of $700,000 in short term
borrowings in order to control interest expense during 1996 and beyond.
At December 31, 1995, 75% of the Company's total liabilities represented
bank debt ($3,592,000) and related accrued interest ($1,307,000) under
litigation. Except for this debt, the Company is presently current on all of its
obligations.
24
<PAGE>
INFLATION
The primary inflationary factors which may affect the Company's results
of operations and financial condition are the costs of labor and production
materials such as soil, pots, chemicals, fertilizer and plant cuttings. During
the last three years, the impact of inflation on the results of domestic
operations and financial condition of the Company has been minimal due to the
stability of wage rates and the availability of production materials from a wide
variety of sources.
The Company does not anticipate that inflation will have a significant
effect on its future earnings or financial condition because increases caused by
inflation are ordinarily recovered through increases in prices.
AMENDMENT TO SECTION 936
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, which was signed into law
by President Clinton on August 10, 1993, amended various provisions of Section
936 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Section 936 provides
incentives for eligible U.S. corporations that elect the benefits thereunder
("936 Corporations") to invest in Puerto Rico by providing a tax credit for
income derived form certain Puerto Rico operations and investments.
In general, the amendments (the "936 Amendments"), which are generally
effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993, permit a taxpayer
to compute the tax credit available under Section 936 as under prior law but
limit the amount of credit allowed as determined under one of two alternatives
to be selected at the option of the taxpayer. Under the first alternative, the
limit would be equal to a fixed percentage of the amount of tax credit allowable
under prior law. This fixed percentage commenced at 60% for taxable years
beginning in 1994 and will be reduced by 5% per year until 1998. For taxable
years beginning in 1998 such percentage would be 40%. Under the second
alternative, which is based on the amount of economic activity conducted by the
taxpayer in Puerto Rico, the credit may not exceed the sum of the following
three components: (i) 60% of the qualified possession wages and 15 % of
allocable fringe benefits paid by the taxpayer, (ii) applicable percentages of
certain depreciation deductions claimed for regular tax purposes by the taxpayer
with respect to qualified tangible property and (iii) a portion of the
possession income taxes paid by the taxpayer except where the taxpayer uses the
profit-split method for determining its income.
For the year ended December 31, 1995, the 936 Amendments did not have any
effect on the Company's business or financial condition. Being a labor intensive
operation, the Company believes that it will continue to derive substantial
benefit from Section 936 through the credit based on economic activity
(principally wages).
In connection with ongoing efforts to adopt Federal budget legislation,
various proposals have been made to eliminate the tax benefits available to U.S.
corporations operating and investing in Puerto Rico under Section 936. The
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 effective for taxable years beginning
in 1994 reduced the benefits previously available under Section 936. The
Seven-Year Balanced Budget Revenue Reconciliation Bill of 1995 (the "Budget
Bill"), passed by the United States Congress on November 20, 1995 and
subsequently vetoed by President Clinton provided for the repeal of Section 936,
subject to a ten-year grandfather rule that would have benefited 936
Corporations that were engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business on
October 13, 1995 and that qualified for and elected the benefits of Section 936
for
25
<PAGE>
taxable years beginning before December 31, 1995. Under the bill, during the
grandfather period, the amount of income that would benefit from the credit
available under Section 936 derived from the active conduct of a trade or
business would be subject to varying caps. As noted above, the Budget Bill was
vetoed by President Clinton on December 6, 1995.
It is not possible to predict what changes will be made to Section 936 as
part of the ongoing Federal budget negotiations. While the final impact of a
repeal of Section 936 cannot be determined at this time, the repeal of Section
936 could have an adverse effect on the general economic condition of Puerto
Rico, the Company's predominant service area.
INCOME TAXES
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes". SFAS No. 109 requires the use of the liability method in
accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future
tax conse quences of temporary differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.
As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 109, during the first quarter of
1993, the Company recorded a deferred tax asset and the related cumulative
effect on prior years of this accounting change of $899,220. This cumulative
effect primarily arose from the taxation of deferred revenue during 1992 and
1991. During the third quarter of 1993, the deferred tax asset was charged to
income tax expense (shown as a component of the Company's extraordinary gain for
1993), since the deferred revenue which originated the deferred tax asset was
recorded as an extraordinary gain for financial reporting purposes.
26
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this Item 8 is incorporated by reference to
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules and the Auditors
Report beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. Supplementary data is not
required.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
27
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
directors and executive officers of the Company as of April 1, 1996. The
background and experience of these persons are summarized in the paragraphs
following the table.
NAME (AGE AT APRIL 1, 1996) POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY
- --------------------------- --------------------------
Michael J. Spector (49) Chairman, President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Margaret D. Spector (44) Secretary and Director
Blas R. Ferraiuoli (51) Director
Frederick D. Moss (66) Director
Michael A. Rubin (53) Director
Guillermo Fradera (45) Vice President and General Manager of
Miami Operations
Alfonso Ortega (42) Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
Rene Llerandi (33) Vice President - Marketing
Luis Torres (36) Vice President - Production
Each director of the Company holds office until the next annual meeting
of shareholders and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified.
Officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All of the executive
officers of the Company except Margaret D. Spector devote their full time to the
operations of the Company.
BACKGROUND OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Set forth below is a summary of the background of each person who was an
officer or director of the Company as of April 1, 1996.
MR. SPECTOR currently serves as the President and as a director of the
Company. He has held these positions since the organization of the Company in
1981. His wife, Margaret D. Spector, is Secretary and a director of the Company.
MRS. SPECTOR currently servers as the Secretary and as a director of the
Company. She has held these positions since the organization of the Company in
1981. Since July 1993, Mrs. Spector has supervised the Company's plastic and
terracotta pottery business.
MR. FERRAIUOLI was elected a director of the Company in 1988 and
continues to hold that position. Since June 1994, he manages his own law firm in
San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was a partner in the law firm of Axtmayer, Adsuar,
Muniz & Goyco, San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 1994 to June 1994. Prior to
March 1994, he was a partner in the firm of Goldman Antonetti Cordova and
Axtmayer. Mr. Ferraiuoli practices civil, corporate and administrative law and
has provided services to the Company since 1987.
28
<PAGE>
MR. MOSS was elected a director of the Company in 1988 and continues to
hold that position. Since 1986, he has been an independent financial consultant
in New York City. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
the Cincinnati Stock Exchange since 1989. Mr. Moss is a director of Summit High
Yield Fund (mutual fund).
MR. RUBIN was elected a director of the Company in 1995 and continues to
hold that position. Mr. Rubin is an attorney engaged in private practice. He has
been a partner in the law firm of Michael A. Rubin, P.A., Coral Gables, Florida,
for more than the past five years.
MR. FRADERA currently serves as the Vice President and General Manager of
the Company's Miami operations. He has held these positions since December 1989.
He joined the Company in 1984 and served as Vice President for Corporate
Development from 1987 to 1989.
MR. ORTEGA currently serves as the Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company. He has held this position since he joined the
Company in January 1993. From 1989 to January 1993, Mr. Ortega was an audit
manager for the accounting firm of Vila Del Corral & Company.
MR. LLERANDI currently serves as Vice President of Marketing. He has held
this position since April 1, 1993. He joined the Company in 1988 as Sales
Manager for Puerto Rico.
MR. TORRES currently serves as Vice President of Production. He has held
this position since April 1, 1993. He joined the Company in 1990 as Production
Manager for Puerto Rico.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's directors and executive officers to report their ownership of and
transactions in the Company's Common Stock to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") and the National Association of Securities Dealers.
Copies of these reports are also required to be supplied to the Company.
Specific dates for filing these reports have been established by the SEC, and
the Company is required to report in the annual report any failure of its
directors and executive officers to file by the relevant due date any of these
reports during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995. Based solely on its
review of the copies of the report received by it, the Company believes that all
such filing requirements were satisfied.
29
<PAGE>
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation of the
Company's chief executive officer during each of the three years ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. No other executive officer of the Company earned more
than $100,000 during 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL AND -------------------------------------- OTHER
POSITION WITH THE ANNUAL
COMPANY SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION
---------------------- ------ ----- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael J. Spector 1995 $160,000 $ 13,600 $ 0
Chairman, President, 1994 160,000 13,600 0
Chief Executive Officer and 1993 160,000 13,600 0
Director
</TABLE>
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company are
paid a quarterly retainer fee of $1,000 and an additional $1,000 for each
meeting of the board (or committee thereof) attended, plus any travel and
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their
duties. No separate fees are paid for committee meetings attended on the same
day as a Board meeting. The directors of the Company who are employed by the
Company do not receive additional compensation for serving as directors. The
Company also provides directors liability insurance for its directors.
GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS
No stock options were granted during the year ended December 31, 1995.
30
<PAGE>
OPTIONS EXERCISED DURING 1995 AND OPTION VALUES AT DECEMBER 31, 1995
The following table sets information on outstanding options held by the
Company's chief executive officer and their value at December 31, 1995. There
were no exercises of options during 1995. Value is calculated as the difference
between the bid price of the Common Stock and the exercise price at the end of
the year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING IN-THE-MONEY
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS OPTIONS AT
SHARES AT 12/31/95 12/31/95(1)(2)
ACQUIRED VALUE ---------------------------- --------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Michael J. Spector(1) - - 8,000 12,000 $4,720 $7,080
<FN>
- ------------------
(1) Includes 5,000 options held by to Margaret D. Spector, the wife
of Michael J. Spector.
(2) Based on a bid price of $3-3/4 per share at December 30, 1995 and
the exercise price of $3.16 for all unexercised options.
</FN>
</TABLE>
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The Company does not have any employment contracts with its executive
officers. However, the Company has entered into a consulting agreement with
Douglas Pennock, who acts as the general manager of the Company's Puerto Rico
landscaping division. Under his consulting agreement, Mr. Pennock receives a
weekly fee of $1,481 plus health insurance and automobile expenses.
31
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following tables set forth, as of March 31, 1996, the number of
shares of common stock of the Company owned beneficially by the following
persons: (a) each director of the Company; (b) all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group; and (c) each person known to the Company
who owns more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. Unless
otherwise stated, all shares are held with sole investment and voting power.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP AS OF MARCH 31, 1996
NAME AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY PERCENT
(POSITION WITH THE COMPANY) OWNED OF CLASS
--------------------------- ------------------- --------
Michael J. Spector 1,228,182(1) 64.1%
(Executive Officer and Director)
Margaret D. Spector 1,228,182(1) 64.1%
Carr. 690, Km. 5.8
Vega Alta, Puerto Rico 00646
(Executive Officer and Director)
J. Morton Davis 189,149(2) 9.9%
D.H. Blair Holdings, Inc.
D.H. Blair Investment Banking Corp.
44 Wall Street
New York, New York 1005
(Five Percent Shareholder)
Frederick D. Moss (Director) 4,500(3) (5)
Blas Ferraiuoli (Director) 8,000(3) (5)
Michael A. Rubin (Director) 1,000 (5)
All Executive Officers 1,279,782(4) 66.2%
and Directors as a Group
(9 persons)
- --------------------
(1) Includes 267,800 shares owned directly by Mr. Spector and 659,694 shares
owned jointly with Mrs. Spector and 280,688 shares owned directly by Mrs.
Spector. Also includes stock options to acquire 15,000 and 5,000 shares
held by Mr Spector and Mrs. Spector, respectively. The Spectors share
voting and investment power over the shares owned by each other.
(2) This amount consists of 189,149 shares held in the name of D.H. Blair
Investment Banking Corp., a registered broker-dealer which is wholly-owned
by D.H. Blair Holdings, Inc., which in turn is wholly-owned by J. Morton
Davis. This amount is based upon a Schedule 13G dated February 9, 1995
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(3) Includes 2,000 shares issuable upon stock options exercisable on or within
60 days of March 31, 1996.
(4) Includes 37,800 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options granted to
Mr. Spector as described in footnote (1) above and to other officers and
directors that are exercisable on or within 60 days of March 31, 1996.
(5) Less than one percent.
32
<PAGE>
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
AMOUNT DUE TO PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER
As of December 31, 1995, the Company owed its principal shareholder,
Michael J. Spector, approximately $107,000 arising principally from lease
payments for the Puerto Rico nursery farm. This balance will be paid during
1996.
LEASE AND OPTION TO PURCHASE PUERTO RICO NURSERY FARM
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company and the Spectors entered into a
lease agreement with respect to the Puerto Rico nursery farm. The lease has an
initial term of five years and may be renewed for one additional term of five
years at the option of the Company. During the initial term of the lease, rent
was set at $19,000 per month. During the renewal term, the rent increases to the
greater of $24,000 per month, or the original $19,000 per month adjusted on the
basis of the increase in the Wholesale Price Index ("WPI") published by the
United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, from the WPI
which was in effect on January 1, 1993 to the WPI in effect on January 1, 1998.
Additionally, the Company must pay all taxes on the property, maintain certain
insurance coverages and otherwise maintain the property. The lease also contains
an option which permits the Company to purchase the property at its appraised
value at any time during the term of the lease. In consideration of the option
the Company must pay $1,000 per month.
Effective January 1, 1994, the lease agreement was amended to include an
additional 27-acre tract of land adjacent to the existing nursery facility for a
five-year period. The rent for this additional tract is $1,750 per month. This
lease terms for this additional tract do not include renewal or purchase
options. See "Item 2 - Properties."
PURCHASE OF RESIDENCE
In August 1990, the Company agreed to lease a residence located in Puerto
Rico from a partnership whose partners include Michael J. Spector and Margaret
D. Spector. The lease has an initial term of five years and provides for
payments of $2,000 per month for the first year of the lease and $2,500 per
month each of the remaining four years. The Company also pays utilities, taxes,
insurance, maintenance and repairs on the residence. The lease may be renewed at
a rent to be negotiated. During 1995, the Company paid $30,000 in rent and
approximately $10,000 in expenses under the lease. The Company utilizes the
residence to house employees, including employees traveling from Miami, as well
as off island customers.
In February 1996, the Company purchased the residence from the
partnership. The purchase price, based on the appraised value of the property,
amounted to $220,800, including the assumption of the mortgage referred to
below. The property was subject to a 10% commercial loan with a balance of
approximately $88,000, which was assumed by the Company.
LOAN GUARANTEES
In December 1988, The Company guaranteed $400,000 in loans made by the
Company's principal bank to Michael J. Spector. As of December 31, 1995, the
balance of the loan has been reduced to approximately $230,000. The bank has
commenced litigation against Mr. Spector, but not the Company, to collect this
amount.
33
<PAGE>
In March 1990, Mr. Spector agreed to personally guarantee up to $500,000
of principal due to the Company's principal bank. The Company and Mr. Spector
are involved in litigation with the Company's principal lender. See Note 6 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 3 - "Litigation."
ACQUISITION AND SALE OF CARIPLANT
On March 17, 1993, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining
96% of the stock of Cariplant. As part of this purchase, the Company paid
$184,000 to Mr. Smalley as one of the shareholders of Cariplant. At the closing
of the acquisition, Michael J. Spector, the Company's President, received
$175,000, from two of the shareholders of Cariplant in repayment of loans which
he had previously made to them. See Item 1 - "Business - Major Developments -
Purchase of Cariplant Stock."
On March 29, 1993, the Company sold all of the stock in Cariplant to
Altec International C. por A., a corporation controlled by Byron J. Smalley, the
former general manager of Cariplant. See Item 1 - "BUSINESS MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS -
Sale of Cariplant Stock," for more information regarding these transactions.
CERTAIN OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
Blas Ferraiuoli, a director of the Company, was a partner in the law firm
of Axtmayer, Adsuar, Muniz & Goyco from March 1994 to June 1994, one of a number
of firms which the Company engaged for various legal services during 1994. In
June 1994, Mr. Ferraiuoli established his own firm and the Company engaged Mr.
Ferraiuoli's firm to provide some of the legal services rendered during 1995.
34
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
(a)(1) and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)(2)
The information called for by this section of Item 14 is set forth
in the Financial Statements and Auditor's Report beginning on page
F-i of this Form 10-K. The index to Financial Statements and
Schedules is set forth on page F-ii of this Form 10-K.
(a)(3) EXHIBITS. The Exhibits set forth in the following Index of the
Exhibits are filed as a part of this report:
(3) Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws:
(a) Articles of Incorporation are incorporated by reference to the
Company's Form 8-K dated December 23, 1992.
(b) By-Laws are incorporated by reference from the Company's Form
8-K dated December 23, 1992.
(4) (a) Stock Benefits Plan is incorporated by reference from the
Company's Form 10-K filed April 14, 1989.
(b) Employee Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference from
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed
December 23, 1986.
(c) Stock Purchase Plan is incorporated by reference from the
Company's Form 10-K filed April 14, 1989.
(7) Opinion Regarding Liquidation Preference incorporated by reference
in the Company's 1990 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 15,
1992.
(10) Material Contracts
(a) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 15, 1988:
(i) Lease Agreement dated January 28, 1988 by and between
Margo Farms Del Caribe, Inc. and Michael and Margaret Spector.
35
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
(b) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 14, 1989:
(i) Loan Agreement dated November 17, 1988 by and between
Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and Southeast Bank, N.A.
(ii) Management Agreement dated as of December 23, 1988 between
Cariplant, S.A. and Margo Nursery Farms, Inc.
(iii) Consulting Agreement dated as of December 23, 1988 between
Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and Oscar Coen.
(iv) Extension Agreement dated as of December 23, 1988 between
Cariplant, S.A., the Shareholders of Cariplant, S.A. and Margo
Nursery Farms, Inc.
(v) Requirements Purchase Agreement dated as of April 1, 1989
between Cariplant, S.A. and Margo Farms Del Caribe, Inc.
(vi) Non-Compete Agreement dated as of December 23, 1988
between Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and Byron J. Smalley.
(vii) Option to Purchase Shares dated as of December 23, 1988
between Margo Nursery Farms, Inc., Michael Rubin and the
Shareholders of Cariplant, S.A.
(viii) Letter Agreement between Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and
Cariplant, S.A. and its shareholders.
(c) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on May 15, 1990.
(i) Modification of Loan Agreement dated March 19, 1990 by and
between the Company and Southeast Bank, N.A.
(d) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 15, 1992.
(i) Modification of Loan Agreement dated May 31, 1991 by and
between the Company and Southeast Bank, N.A.
(ii) Lease Agreement dated August 29, 1990 by and between the
Company and S&P, S.E.
(iii) Consulting Agreement dated December 9, 1991 by and between
the Company and Douglas W. Pennock.
(iv) Option Agreement dated August 23, 1990 between the Company
and Frederick Moss.
(v) Option Agreement dated August 23, 1990 between the Company
and Blas Ferraiuoli.
(e) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Form 8-K dated March 17, 1993:
36
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
(i) Supplemental Agreement dated March 17, 1993, between the
Company and the share holders of Cariplant.
(f) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Form 8-K dated December 23, 1992:
(i) Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 21, 1992
between Margo Nursery Farms, Inc., Margo Farms Del Caribe, Inc.
and Margo Bay Farms, Inc.
(ii) Articles of Merger dated December 21, 1992.
(g) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 15, 1993:
(i) Lease Agreement dated January 1, 1993 between the Company
and the Spectors.
(ii) Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 29, 1993 between the
Company, Altec Inter national, C. por A., Byron J. Smalley, et al.
(iii) Disposal Agreement dated December 31, 1992 between the
Company and Altec International C. por. A.
(iv) Collateral Pledge and Security Agreement dated December 7,
1992 between Del Caribe and Michael J. Spector.
(h) Material contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 15, 1994 included
in this Form 10-K:
(i) First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated January 1, 1994
between the Company and the Spectors.
(ii) Supplemental Disposal Agreement between The DuPont Company
and Margo Farms Del Caribe, Inc. dated November 2, 1993.
(i) Material Contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1994
(i) Loan Commitment Agreement, dated December 15, 1994 between
Puerto Rico Farm Credit ACA and the Company.
(j) Material Contracts incorporated by reference from the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1995.
(k) Material Contracts filed with this Form 10-K:
(i) Deed of Sale, dated February 14, 1996, between S. & P.,
S. E. and the Company.
37
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
(22) The Registrant's only subsidiaries are Margo Farms Del Caribe,
Inc., a Florida corporation, Margo Imports, B.V., a Netherlands
corporation, and Tropiflower, Inc., a Florida corporation. Prior
to March 29, 1993, Cariplant, S.A., a Dominican Republic
corporation, was also a subsidiary.
(27) Financial Data Schedule (Edgar version only).
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
(i) The Company filed a Form 8-K dated March 5, 1993 to report
the bonus paid to Michael J. Spector and the relocation of the
Company's principal offices. (Item 5).
(ii) The Company filed a Form 8-K dated March 5, 1993 to report
developments in the liti gation involving First Union National
Bank. (Item 5).
(iii) The Company filed a Form 8-K dated March 5, 1993 to report
the receipt of insurance payments from Hurricane Andrew. (Item 5).
(iv) The Company filed a Form 8-K dated March 17, 1993 to
report the acquisition of the remaining stock of Cariplant. (Item
5)
(v) The Company filed a form 8-K dated March 17, 1993 to
report the sale of Cariplant.
38
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ MICHAEL J. SPECTOR
-----------------------------------------
Michael J. Spector, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrat
and in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ MICHAEL J. SPECTOR
-----------------------------------------
Michael J. Spector, Director
Chief Executive Officer
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ MARGARET D. SPECTOR
-----------------------------------------
Margaret D. Spector, Director
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ BLAS R. FERRAIUOLI
-----------------------------------------
Blas R. Ferraiuoli, Director
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ FREDERICK D. MOSS
-----------------------------------------
Frederick D. Moss, Director
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ MICHAEL A. RUBIN
-----------------------------------------
Michael A. Rubin, Director
Dated: April 12, 1996 By: /s/ ALFONSO A. ORTEGA PEREZ
-----------------------------------------
Alfonso A. Ortega Perez,
Vice President, Treasurer,
Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer
39
<PAGE>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FOR INCLUSION IN FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT FILED WITH
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
MARCH 1, 1996
<PAGE>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
MARCH 1, 1996
PAGE
----
Independent Auditors' Report......................................... F-3
Financial Statement
Consolidated Balance Sheets................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations....................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity............. F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows....................... F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-10
SCHEDULES
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............. F-36
All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is
not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the
schedules, or because the information required is included in the consolidated
financial statements or notes thereto.
F-2
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Margo Nursery Farms, Inc.
Vega Alta, Puerto Rico
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Margo Nursery
Farms, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. 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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Margo Nursery Farms,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
1993 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred
to above, we audited the consolidated financial statement schedule listed under
Item 14(a)(2). In our opinion, this schedule presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information stated therein, when considered in relation to the
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ KAUFMAN, ROSSIN & CO.
------------------------------
Kaufman, Rossin & Co.
Miami, Florida
March 1, 1996
F-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
ASSETS
1995 1994
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents $ 785,490 $ 1,871,931
Short term investments 500,000 710,359
Restricted cash 6,732,597 6,375,847
Accounts receivable, net 692,165 730,111
Inventories 2,340,373 2,019,732
Prepaid expenses 166,947 186,314
----------- -----------
Total current assets 11,217,572 11,894,294
Property and equipment, net 3,587,982 3,504,641
Notes receivable 444,411 448,790
Other assets 150,617 82,932
----------- -----------
Total assets $15,400,582 $15,930,657
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 3,663,475 $ 3,647,353
Notes payable 500,000 1,200,000
Accounts payable 372,025 255,285
Accrued expenses 1,555,187 1,195,911
Due to shareholder 106,786 -
Income taxes payable - 14,829
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 6,197,473 6,313,378
Long-term debt 354,707 372,424
----------- -----------
Total liabilities 6,552,180 6,685,802
----------- -----------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000
shares authorized, 1,915,122 shares
issued, and 1,895,322 shares outstanding 1,915 1,915
Additional paid-in capital 4,637,706 4,637,706
Retained earnings 4,266,895 4,663,229
Treasury stock, 19,800 common shares, at cost (48,788) (48,788)
Foreign currency translation loss (9,326) (9,207)
----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity 8,848,402 9,244,855
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $15,400,582 $15,930,657
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, 1993
1995 1994 1993
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales ............................ $ 4,933,718 $ 3,679,367 $ 2,489,881
Cost of Sales ........................ 3,156,360 2,212,165 1,207,245
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit ..................... 1,777,358 1,467,202 1,282,636
Selling, general and administrative
expenses ......................... 2,110,380 1,782,840 1,735,929
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from operations ............. (333,022) (315,638) (453,293)
----------- ----------- -----------
Other income (expense):
Interest income .................. 455,041 364,044 312,867
Interest expense ................. (421,313) (389,785) (347,097)
Litigation expenses, net of legal
fees reimbursed of $112,000 and
$110,948 in 1995 and 1994...... (130,229) (400,939) (287,815)
Write-down of note receivable .... -- (680,962) --
Other income ..................... 43,189 139,433 79,570
Loss on sale of subsidiary ....... -- -- (40,790)
Gain relating to Hurricane Andrew
after insurance proceeds ...... -- 897,049 316,278
----------- ----------- -----------
(53,312) (71,160) 33,013
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before income tax provision
(benefit), extraordinary item
and cumulative effect on prior
years of accounting change..... (386,334) (386,798) (420,280)
Income tax provision (benefit) ....... 10,000 124,000 (112,800)
----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect on prior
years of accounting change..... (396,334) (510,798) (307,480)
Extraordinary item, net income tax of
$923,000 in 1993 .................. -- -- 4,358,147
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before cumulative
effect on prior years of
accounting change............... (396,334) (510,798) 4,050,667
Cumulative effect on prior years of
applying new method of accounting
for income taxes................... -- -- 899,220
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)...................... $ (396,334) $ (510,798) $ 4,949,887
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994, 1993
(CONTINUED)
1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) per common share:
Loss before extraordinary item
and cumulative effect on prior
years of accounting change....... ($.21) ($.27) ($.16)
Extraordinary gain .............. -- -- 2.30
---------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before cumulative
effect on prior years of
accounting change................ (.21) (.27) 2.14
Cumulative effect on prior years
of applying new method of
accounting for income taxes...... -- -- .48
---------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) ............... $(.21) $(.27) $2.62
========== ========= =========
Weighted average common shares... 1,895,322 1,895,322 1,892,572
========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
PREFERRED COMMON PREFERRED COMMON ADDITIONAL
STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK PAID-IN RETAINED TREASURY
SHARES SHARES AMOUNT AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS STOCK
-------- --------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31,
1992................... 39,375 1,690,200 $ 394 $ 1,710 $ 4,564,079 $ 7,808,621 $ (48,788)
Issuance of common stock
due to exercise of
outstanding stock
options and employee
stock options granted.. -- 30,140 -- 30 73,408 -- --
Issuance of common stock
due to conversion of
preferred stock........ (39,375) 174,982 (394) 175 219 -- --
Net income .............. -- -- -- -- -- 4,949,887 --
Cash dividends on
common stock........... -- -- -- -- -- (7,581,288) --
Cash dividends on
preferred stock ....... -- -- -- -- -- (3,193) --
Foreign currency
translation loss....... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------- --------- -------- ------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Balance at December 31,
1993................... -- 1,895,322 -- 1,915 4,637,706 5,174,027 (48,788)
Net loss ................ -- -- -- -- -- (510,798) --
Foreign currency
translation loss....... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------- --------- -------- ------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Balance at December 31,
1994................... -- 1,895,322 -- 1,915 4,637,706 4,663,229 (48,788)
Net loss ................ -- -- -- -- -- (396,334) --
Foreign currency
translation loss....... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------- --------- -------- ------- ------------ ------------ -----------
Balance at December 31,
1995................... -- 1,895,322 $ -- $1,915 $ 4,637,706 $ 4,266,895 $ (48,788)
======= ========= ======== ======= ============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
F-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUMULATIVE
TRANSLATION
ADJUSTMENT TOTAL
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31,
1992................... $(6,760) $12,319,256
Issuance of common stock
due to exercise of
outstanding stock
options and employee
stock options granted.. -- 73,438
Issuance of common stock
due to conversion of
preferred stock........ -- --
Net income .............. -- 4,949,887
Cash dividends on
common stock........... -- (7,581,288)
Cash dividends on
preferred stock ....... -- (3,193)
Foreign currency
translation loss....... (2,396) (2,396)
------- -----------
Balance at December 31,
1993................... (9,156) 9,755,704
Net loss ................ -- (510,798)
Foreign currency
translation loss....... (51) (51)
------- -----------
Balance at December 31,
1994................... (9,207) 9,244,855
Net loss ................ -- (396,334)
Foreign currency
translation loss....... (119) (119)
------- -----------
Balance at December 31,
1995................... $(9,326) $ 8,848,402
======= ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
F-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) .................................. $ (396,334) $ (510,798) $ 4,949,887
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization ................ 339,491 280,731 181,746
Write-down of note receivable ................ -- 680,962 --
Provision for inventory valuation reserve..... 250,000 -- --
Cumulative effect on prior years of
applying new method of accounting for
income taxes............................... -- -- (899,220)
Provision for possible bad debts ............. 6,786 -- 58,000
Extraordinary gain, net of income tax ........ -- -- (3,587,820)
Gain relating to Hurricane Andrew after
insurance proceeds ......................... -- (897,049) (316,278)
Loss on sale of Cariplant stock .............. -- -- 40,790
Changes in assets and liabilities
affecting cash flows from
operating activities:
Accounts receivable ................... 31,160 (319,533) (87,082)
Inventories ........................... (570,641) (856,368) (729,117)
Prepaid expenses ...................... 19,367 (116,422) 10,793
Advances from shareholders ............ 106,786 88,267 28,484
Other assets .......................... (67,685) (24,945) (1,336)
Deferred income taxes, net ............ -- 104,100 (104,100)
Accounts payable ...................... 116,740 19,077 56,885
Accrued expenses ...................... 359,276 275,336 (44,231)
Income taxes payable .................. (14,829) (10,117) (533,054)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities... 180,117 (1,286,759) (975,653)
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase in restricted cash ........................ (356,750) (291,261) (568,060)
Decrease in short-term investments ................. 210,359 6,222 1,787,302
Purchases of property and equipment ................ (422,832) (964,718) (1,025,916)
Proceeds on insurance claims from Hurricane
Andrew and other insurance claims related
to property and equipment........................ -- 897,049 1,148,168
Increase in notes receivable ....................... (10,000) (75,000) --
Collection on notes receivable ..................... 14,379 51,817 18,058
Disposition of subsidiary .......................... -- -- (109,856)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities... (564,844) (375,891) 1,249,696
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable ....................... 300,000 910,000 1,025,000
Repayment of notes payable ........................ (1,000,000) (410,000) (400,000)
Proceeds from long-term debt ...................... 78,000 422,000 --
Repayments of long-term debt ...................... (79,595) (2,464) (811,599)
Dividends ......................................... -- -- (6,404,960)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ............ -- -- 73,438
------------ ------------ -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities... (701,595) 919,536 (6,518,121)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net decrease in cash and equivalents.................. (1,086,322) (743,114) (6,244,078)
Effect of change in exchange rates on cash ........... (119) (51) (2,396)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year ............ 1,871,931 2,615,096 8,861,570
------------ ------------ -----------
Cash and equivalents at end of year................... $ 785,490 $ 1,871,931 $ 2,615,096
============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-9
<PAGE>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
NOTE 1 - BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company")
are primarily engaged in the production and distribution of a wide range of
tropical plants for sale to interior and exterior landscapers, plant leasing
companies, wholesalers and retailers. The Company is also engaged in sales of
lawn and garden products (planting media, plastic and terracotta pottery, etc.)
and provides landscaping design and installation services.
The Company's primary facility is located in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. From
this facility, the Company sells principally to customers in Puerto Rico and the
Caribbean. The Company uses its South Florida facility to sell primarily to
customers in Florida.
(a) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the financial
statements of Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Margo
Landscaping and Design, Inc., Rain Forest Products Group, Inc., Margo Bay Farms,
Inc., Tropiflower, Inc., and Margo Imports, B.V. (a Netherlands company). All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
(b) CASH EQUIVALENTS
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers
all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three
months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1994, cash and
equivalents include approximately $1,027,000 invested in certificates of deposit
bearing interest at 4.65%.
The Company maintains cash and equivalents at financial institutions
in excess of federally insured limits.
(c) INVENTORIES
Inventory of plant material includes the cost of seeds, cuttings,
pots, soil, chemicals, fertilizer, direct labor and an
F-10
<PAGE>
allocation of overhead costs such as depreciation and rent, among others.
Inventories of plants are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market. Inventories of lawn and garden products are stated at the lower or
average cost of market.
(d) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED DEPRECIATION AND
AMORTIZATION
Property and equipment are carried at acquisition cost. Depreciation
and amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective
assets on a straight-line basis. Such useful lives range from four to twenty
years.
The Company considers depreciation of certain facilities, equipment
and stock plants as a direct cost of production of inventory. As inventory is
sold, such cost is charged to cost of sales.
(e) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Assets and liabilities outside the United States and Puerto Rico are
translated to U.S. Dollars using exchange rates at the balance sheet date.
Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange during the
applicable period. Effects of translation adjustments are deferred and included
as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
(f) REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes sales of foliage products and hard goods upon
shipment from its facilities to customers.
(g) INCOME TAXES
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes". SFAS No. 109 requires the use of the liability method in
accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future
tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities.
Investment tax credits are recorded under the flow-through method.
F-11
<PAGE>
As a Florida corporation, Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. is required to
file a federal corporate income tax return. However, it has elected to be
treated as a possessions corporation under Section 936 of the Internal Revenue
Code, and accordingly, receives a credit of federal income tax payable for
operations in Puerto Rico. During 1993, the Internal Revenue Code was amended by
tax legislation applicable to possessions corporations electing treatment under
Section 936. These changes were effective for taxable years commencing after
December 31, 1993. For the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, there were no
tax effects arising as a result of these changes. Margo Bay Farms, Inc., also a
Florida corporation, is required to file a federal income tax return.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico provides a 90% tax deduction for
income derived from agricultural production within Puerto Rico.
Margo Nursery Farms, Inc. has also been granted a 90% exemption from
property taxes and from income derived from its export sales, and a 60%
exemption from volume of business tax related to export sales, under the Puerto
Rico Industrial Incentives Act of 1987. The exemption is for a period of 15
years commencing on July 6, 1987.
(h) INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Net income (loss) per common share was computed by dividing net
income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. For the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1994 there were 1,895,322 shares outstanding. For the year
ended December 31, 1993, there were 1,892,572 weighted average shares.
For 1995 and 1994, outstanding stock options were not considered in
the calculation of weighted average number of common shares outstanding, as
their effect would have been antidilutive.
(i) USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-12
<PAGE>
The inventory valuation allowance is an estimate which is established
through charges to cost of goods sold. Management's judgement in determining the
adequacy of the allowance is based on several factors which include, but are not
limited to, costs of specific inventory items, sales histories of these items
and management's judgement with respect to future marketability of the
inventory. Based on the above, it is reasonably possible the Company's estimate
of the inventory valuation allowance will change in the near term. The valuation
allowance at December 31, 1995 and 1994 was $350,000 and $100,000, respectively.
The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of approximately $245,000
which is offset by a valuation allowance. Realization of the deferred tax asset
is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in the future. The amount
of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could change in the near term if
estimates of future taxable income are increased.
As discussed in Note 11, the Company is involved in litigation with its
primary lender. While the Company believes it has meritorious defenses against
the suit and legitimate counterclaims, the ultimate resolution of the matter
could result in a gain or loss significantly different than the amounts
presently reflected in the financial statements.
NOTE 2 - DIVIDENDS
On January 11, 1993, the Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend
of $4.00 per common share ($7,581,288) for shareholders of record as of January
25, 1993, paid on February 5, 1993. On the record date, the Company had
1,895,322 shares of outstanding common stock.
During the year ended December 31, 1993, the Company paid dividends of
$3,193 on its convertible preferred stock from January 1, 1993 to January 20,
1993, when the preferred stock was converted into common stock (refer to Note
16).
NOTE 3 - HURRICANE ANDREW
On August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed almost all of the Company's
facilities in South Florida. These facilities included the Company's principal
executive offices, warehouses,
F-13
<PAGE>
shadehouses and shipping area. Additionally, almost all of the Company's
inventory located at this facility was damaged or destroyed.
For the years ended December 31, 1994, and 1993, as a result of the
damages caused by the storm, the Company recorded the following gains:
1994 1993
-------- --------
Proceeds from insurance claims
received and receivable $908,820 $335,097
Less: Clean-up, relocation and
other expenses (11,771) (18,819)
-------- --------
Gain, net of insurance claims $897,049 $316,278
======== ========
Insurance proceeds of $1,970,435, less court costs of $19,677, received
from insurance claims since 1992 have been restricted as to their use (refer to
Notes 5 and 11).
NOTE 4 - EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
During 1990 and 1991, the Company recognized significant extraordinary
losses. These losses (at all of the Company's locations) included, among other
costs, the write-off of plant material which was determined to be contaminated
by the use of Benlate DF 50, a defective fungicide manufactured by E.I. DuPont
de Nemours & Co. ("DuPont").
During 1992, the Company settled its major claims with DuPont from the
Company's use of the defective fungicide and recognized a substantial
extraordinary gain.
As a result of the contamination, during 1992 and 1991, the Company
deferred $845,207 and $3,641,833, respectively, from sales of products which may
have been contaminated by the use and application of the defective fungicide.
Sales of these products were deferred until such time as the Company could
determine with
F-14
<PAGE>
greater certainty its obligations for unknowingly having sold such products.
During 1993, the Company determined that it had no substantial obligations
arising from the sales of products which may have been contaminated with the
defective fungicide. Accordingly, the Company credited the deferred revenue to
income as an extraordinary gain, net of related income taxes paid for 1992 and
1991.
During September 1993, DuPont agreed to reimburse the Company $1,500,000
for the maintenance and disposal obligation of the contaminated inventory in
Puerto Rico. The Company received this payment in November 1993.
For the year ended December 31, 1993, the extraordinary gain, including
related costs and expenses resulting from the maintenance and disposal of the
contaminated plant material, as well as the recognition of the deferred revenue
as income, were as follows:
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------
Reimbursement of costs incurred for
the maintenance and disposal of
contaminated material $1,500,000
Cost associated with the
maintenance and disposal of
contaminated inventory (555,673)
Professional services incurred (150,000)
Income tax effect (24,000) $ 770,327
----------
Recognition of deferred sales
as income 4,487,040
Income tax effect (899,220) 3,587,820
---------- ----------
EXTRAORDINARY GAIN $4,358,147
==========
NOTE 5 - RESTRICTED CASH
During 1991, one of the Company's principal lenders commenced litigation
against the Company due to the Company's non-compliance with several covenants
under a modified loan agreement (refer to
F-15
<PAGE>
Note 11). In connection with the settlement with DuPont in 1992, the Company was
required to place $4,000,000 of the settlement proceeds in an escrow account. In
connection with the settlement of the Company's insurance claims arising from
Hurricane Andrew, the Company was required to deposit $1,970,435 (less court
costs of $19,677) with the court. At December 31, 1995 and 1994 these amounts
are as follows:
DESCRIPTION 1995 1994
- ----------------------------------- ------ -----
Proceeds from the settlement of
Benlate claim, including interest
income of $244,145 and $166,822 in
1995 and 1994, respectively $4,544,795 $4,300,650
Insurance proceeds as a result of
Hurricane Andrew, including interest
income of $112,605 and $124,439 in
1995 and 1994, respectively 2,187,802 2,075,197
---------- ----------
$6,732,597 $6,375,847
========== ==========
NOTE 6 - SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, short term investments consisted of
certificates of deposit bearing interest between 3.4% and 5.3%, pledged as
collateral for notes payable (refer to Note 10).
At December 31, 1995, the carrying value of these short term investments
approximates fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the
origination of the instruments and their expected realization.
NOTE 7 - NOTES RECEIVABLE
At December 31, 1993, the Company had a note receivable with an
outstanding principal balance of $996,962, from the sale of Cariplant, S.A. (a
former Dominican Republic subsidiary) to Altec International, C. por A.
("Altec"), another Dominican Republic company (refer to Note 19). The note was
originally due in 180 equal monthly installments of $9,638, including interest
at 8%,
F-16
<PAGE>
through April 2008. The note is collateralized by the common stock and personal
guarantee of the major shareholder of Cariplant.
From the inception of the note, the Company received several payments
through December 1995. However, Altec has been unable to comply with the terms
of the note. As of March 1, 1996, the Company is in process of obtaining a
mortgage on Cariplant's property and equipment, as well as negotiating a
modification of the repayment terms of the outstanding unpaid principal balance
of $996,962.
Company management anticipates that Altec will accept the modification,
however, due to the unfavorable collection experience as well as the current
difficulties of operating in the Dominican Republic, in 1994 Company management
wrote down the carrying amount of the note to $316,000, representing the
estimated value of Cariplant's land and related improvements, including
buildings, shadehouses, and fixed and installed equipment. The write-down,
amounting to $680,962 has been included as an other expense in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 1994.
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, notes receivable included the following:
DESCRIPTION 1995 1994
------------- -------- ------
Note receivable from Altec $301,621 $316,000
10% note, due October 1996,
collateralized by real property 23,918 23,918
8% notes, due on demand, personally
guaranteed by various Company
personnel ($57,562 collected in January
1996, however, no other collections
are expected in 1996) 118,872 108,872
-------- --------
$444,411 $448,790
======== ========
F-17
<PAGE>
NOTE 8 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, property and equipment consisted of the
following:
1995 1994
--------- ----------
Land and land improvements $ 859,380 $ 859,380
Buildings 219,404 196,877
Equipment and fixtures 1,187,716 1,105,629
Transportation equipment 571,736 531,439
Stock plants 97,277 97,277
Leasehold improvements 1,675,605 1,068,793
Construction in progress 81,068 409,959
---------- ----------
4,692,186 4,269,354
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization (1,104,204) (764,713)
---------- ----------
$3,587,982 $3,504,641
========== ==========
During the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993, depreciation
expense charged to production was approximately $201,500, $197,000, and
$108,000, respectively.
NOTE 9 - DUE TO SHAREHOLDER
At December 31, 1995, amount due to shareholder principally represents
lease payments owed to the Company's principal shareholder arising from the
lease agreement for the use of the Company's facilities in Puerto Rico (refer to
note 17).
NOTE 10 - NOTES PAYABLE
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company had short-term borrowings with
banks in Puerto Rico and South Florida (collateralized by certificates of
deposit), with outstanding balances of $500,000 in 1995 and $1,200,000 in 1994.
One borrowing bears interest at 1% over the rate earned by a $500,000
certificate of deposit (6.25% at December 31, 1995) and the other bears interest
at 8.5%.
F-18
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1995, the carrying value of these notes payable
approximates fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the
origination of the instruments and their maturities.
NOTE 11 - LONG-TERM DEBT
On November 17, 1988, the Company obtained a $4,300,000 term loan and a
revolving credit facility (the "Facility") with an institutional lender. The
Facility consisted of two term loans in the aggregate amount of $2,800,000 and a
revolving term line of credit in the amount of $1,500,000. The Facility was
modified on March 16, 1990 and May 31, 1991.
The first term loan was originally payable in equal monthly principal
payments of $12,500 plus interest commencing on January 2, 1989, with a final
payment of $1,512,500 due on December 2, 1993. The second term loan was payable
in equal monthly principal payments of $3,055 plus interest commencing on
September 2, 1989, with a final payment of $394,167 due on December 2, 1993. The
amounts available under the revolving credit line were originally scheduled to
be reduced to $700,000 on July 2, 1991 and $300,000 on July 2, 1992, with a
final maturity on June 2, 1993.
On May 31, 1991, the Company entered into a modification to its loan
agreement (the "Modification"), under which the Company's lender waived the
Company's violations of the loan agreement as of December 31, 1990. The
Modification also established new covenants and required the Company to repay
the Facility as follows: (a) past due interest of $231,328 through April 15,
1991 was payable in seven equal monthly installments of $33,047 commencing on
May 15, 1991; (b) accrued interest after April 15, 1991 was payable monthly,
commencing on June 15, 1991; (c) the principal balance of $2,492,327 under the
term loans was payable in monthly installments of $15,555 commencing on December
15, 1991, with a final installment of $2,134,562 due December 2, 1993; (d) the
principal balance of $1,099,914 under the revolving credit line was payable on
May 31, 1992 (with the option to postpone $550,000 until December 2, 1993 if the
Company was not in default under the Facility).
Under the provisions of the term loans and revolving credit line, the
Company's future borrowings were restricted and it was required, among other
things, to maintain certain liquidity and
F-19
<PAGE>
other financial ratios. During 1991, the Company violated some of these
covenants primarily due to losses suffered by the Company as a result of the
Company's use and application of Benlate DF 50, a fungicide manufactured by E.I.
DuPont de Nemours & Co. ("DuPont"). The Company wrote down its inventories after
experts determined that the Company's inventories were contaminated (refer to
note 4).
In September 1991 First Union National Bank of Florida ("First Union")
acquired the Company's loans from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"). In December 1991, First Union filed a complaint against the Company,
Margo Imports, Tropiflower, Inc. and Michael J. Spector, the Company's President
and principal shareholder, in the Circuit Court for Dade County, Florida. In its
complaint, First Union alleged that the Company was in default under its loan
agreement. As of December 31, 1995, the principal balance of the loan was
approximately $3,600,000. The loan was guaranteed by Margo Farms del Caribe,
Inc. (now Margo Nursery Farms, Inc.), Margo Imports, and Tropiflower, Inc. Mr.
Spector also guaranteed $500,000 of the loan.
The Facility bears interest at 45 basis points over the prime rate. After
default, the Facility calls for the interest rate to increase by 5% per annum.
At December 31, 1995, the annual borrowing rate was 8.95% and the default rate
was 13.95%. The Company is continuing to accrue interest at a rate that
approximates the annual borrowing rate. Accrued interest on the Facility,
included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements amounted to
approximately $1,307,000 at December 31, 1995. Accrued interest at December 31,
1995, calculated at the default rate is approximately $2,000,000. This latter
sum is the amount First Union is claiming it is owed interest through December
31, 1995.
First Union's complaint also seeks an award of First Union's attorneys'
fees and costs. First Union has advised the Company that First Union's
attorneys' fees and collection costs through December 31, 1995 are in excess of
$2,000,000. The additional interest and attorneys' fees claimed by First Union
are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The
Company believes that the amounts sought by First Union are unreasonable and
that there is significant uncertainty as to First Union's entitlement to these
amounts.
F-20
<PAGE>
In early 1992, First Union amended its complaint to foreclose its mortgage
on the Company's nursery farm in Dade County, Florida. First Union also brought
an action in Puerto Rico against the Company. The Company has filed
counterclaims against First Union, alleging that the bank tortiously interfered
with the Company's negotiations with DuPont and breached its fiduciary duties to
the Company. In connection with its counterclaims, the Company is seeking
punitive damages from First Union.
In 1992, the Florida court denied several of First Union's motions,
including motions to strike or dismiss the Company's counterclaims, to strike
the demands for jury trial and for partial summary judgement on the Company's
counterclaim. In addition, the United States District Court for the District of
Puerto Rico denied First Union's motions to remand the case to Puerto Rico state
court, dismiss the Company's counterclaim, and strike the Company's prayers for
punitive damages (in the amount of 10% of First Union's net worth).
In March 1993, First Union filed a second amended complaint in the Florida
action against the Company and its subsidiaries, Michael Spector and DuPont. In
this complaint, First Union restated most of its prior allegations, including
those made against the Company in Puerto Rico. In addition, First Union brought
a claim for restitution seeking a constructive trust on the proceeds from the
Company's settlement of its tort claims against DuPont, a claim for restitution
arising from the insurance payments received by the Company as a result of
Hurricane Andrew (which seeks a constructive trust on such funds), a claim for
defamation against the Company and Michael Spector based upon statements made by
Mr. Spector regarding First Union and its dealings with the Company, a claim
against Mr. Spector, the Company and DuPont for conversion and destruction of
collateral (arising from the damages caused by Benlate), a claim for strict
liability against DuPont, a claim for negligence and a claim against the Company
for an alleged fraudulent conveyance. First Union is also seeking unspecified
punitive damages in connection with its defamation claim.
The Company has answered First Union's new claims and has reasserted its
counterclaims. The Company also moved for summary judgement on some of First
Union's new claims and in response to such motion, the Florida court dismissed
First Union's conversion claim.
Shortly after First Union filed its new complaint, DuPont moved to dismiss
First Union's claims against it. After a hearing, DuPont's motion was granted.
Thus far, First Union has not refiled its claims against DuPont.
F-21
<PAGE>
In late 1993, First Union moved for partial summary judgement against the
Company on First Union's claims on the promissory notes executed by the Company,
as well as the guaranty executed by the Company in Puerto Rico. As part of its
motion, First Union again sought the entry of judgement against the Company on
its counterclaims. Following the Company's vigorous opposition of First Union's
motion, the court denied First Union's motion in its entirety. Notwithstanding
this ruling, First Union recently filed another summary judgment motion, which
the Company has once again opposed. The Court recently denied First Union's
latest summary judgement motion.
Moreover, the United States District Court in Puerto Rico dismissed the
case without prejudice, with the view to allowing the litigation to take place
exclusively before the Florida court at this time. Accordingly, the Company does
not expect there to be any activity in the Puerto Rico case in the near future.
The Company has been engaged in settlement discussions with First Union
over the last several months. If a settlement of the litigation cannot be
consummated, the Company will continue to vigorously defend against the claims
brought by First Union and pursue its counterclaims against First Union.
However, there currently is no trial date set for this action.
At the time of the Company's September 1992 settlement with DuPont, DuPont
required the Company to deposit $4,000,000 of the settlement amount with a third
party escrow agent to cover the amounts First Union is seeking under the loan
agreement. First Union has sought to garnish these funds and the Company has
opposed First Union's garnishment motion. Additionally, as of December 31, 1995,
the Company had on deposit approximately $2,200,000 of insurance payments
(including interest) received as a result of Hurricane Andrew damage with the
Clerk of the Court of Dade County pending the outcome of the litigation. These
amounts are reflected on the Company's balance sheet as restricted cash (refer
to note 5).
F-22
<PAGE>
As part of the Company's settlement with DuPont, the Company agreed to
indemnify DuPont from liability to First Union that might arise out of the
payment by DuPont to the Company in settlement of the Benlate claims. The
Company does not expect that it will be required to indemnify DuPont from the
claims made by First Union. Nevertheless, DuPont has demanded indemnity from the
Company for DuPont's having been sued by First Union. At this point, the Company
has denied DuPont's request for indemnity. However, this issue has not been
conclusively determined and DuPont has not filed suit against the Company on
this issue.
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, long-term debt consisted of the following:
1995 1994
---------- ----------
Term loans ("First Union") $2,492,326 $2,492,326
Revolving credit facilities ("First
Union") 1,099,914 1,099,914
Five-year term loan, variable interest
rate, 9.25% at December 31, 1995,
payable in quarterly installments of
$31,740, including interest, through
January 2000. The loan is collateralized
by transportation and farm equipment. 423,546 422,000
Capital lease obligation, collateralized
by equipment, payable in monthly
installments of $318 (including
interest at 16%) through August 1996. 2,396 5,537
---------- ----------
4,018,182 4,019,777
Less current portion (3,663,475) (3,647,353)
---------- ----------
Long-term debt $ 354,707 $ 372,424
========== ==========
Based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with
similar terms and maturities, the fair value of long-term debt and notes payable
approximates the recorded amounts.
F-23
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, long-term debt and revolving credit
facilities in default amounted to $3,592,240.
The annual aggregate maturities of long-term debt and other financing
obligations are as follows:
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, AMOUNT
------------ -----------
1996 $3,663,475
1997 99,020
1998 107,973
1999 117,735
2000 29,979
----------
$4,018,182
==========
NOTE 12 - ACCRUED EXPENSES
At December 31, 1995 and 1994, accrued expenses consisted of the
following:
1995 1994
---------- ----------
Payroll and payroll taxes $ 59,326 $ 48,312
Professional fees 102,149 115,584
Interest (refer to Note 11) 1,306,732 996,309
Other 86,980 35,706
---------- ----------
$1,555,187 $1,195,911
========== ==========
F-24
<PAGE>
NOTE 13 - INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT ON PRIOR YEARS OF APPLYING NEW
METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES
(a) INCOME TAXES
The Company provides for income taxes using the applicable
statutory tax rates in the related jurisdictions where it operates. The
provision for income taxes, as reflected in the accompanying statements of
operations for 1995, 1994 and 1993, does not bear a normal relationship to
results of operations due to several items, such as a 90% tax exemption (Puerto
Rico), unutilized net loss carryforwards and the Company's election under
Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993 consisted of the following:
1995 1994 1993
------- -------- ---------
Current:
Puerto Rico $10,000 $ 20,000 $ 6,000
Deferred:
United States:
Federal - 104,000 (102,800)
State - - (16,000)
------- -------- ---------
$10,000 $124,000 $(112,800)
======= ======== =========
Set forth below are explanations for the differences between the income
tax provision (benefit) and the amount computed by applying the federal
statutory income tax rate of 34% to loss before income tax provision (benefit),
extraordinary item and cumulative effect on prior years of accounting change:
F-25
<PAGE>
1995 1994 1993
--------- ---------- -----------
Income Tax benefit computed
by applying federal rate $(131,354) $(131,511) $(142,895)
(Increase) decrease in
income tax benefit resulting
from:
Tax-exempt income (17,000) (22,114) (16,962)
Puerto Rico tax exclusion (62,813) (107,484) -
Effect of Florida and Puerto
Rico taxes (benefits) (14,184) 14,112 -
Adjustment of prior year
valuation allowance - 30,561 -
Increase in valuation
allowance 158,132 33,614 22,486
Unutilized losses of foreign
subsidiaries 1,517 1,400 25,069
Permanent differences 70,758 291,708 -
Other differences 4,944 13,714 (498)
--------- --------- ---------
$ 10,000 $ 124,000 $(112,800)
========= ========= =========
Deferred income taxes were recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 1995 and 1994 due to the tax effect of temporary differences and
loss carryforwards as follows:
1995 1994
--------- ---------
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
Excess book over tax depreciation ................ $ 20,401 $ 13,095
Accrual to cash adjustments ...................... 180,277 108,315
Net operating loss carryforwards ................. 121,721 56,100
Contribution carryover ........................... 376 -
Alternative minimum tax credit carryover ......... 65,211 52,344
--------- ---------
387,986 229,854
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
Insurance recoveries deferred for tax ............ (143,193) (143,193)
--------- ---------
Gross deferred tax asset ......................... 244,793 86,661
Less: Valuation allowance ........................ (244,793) (86,661)
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax asset ........................... $ - $ -
========= =========
F-26
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1995, Margo Landscaping had net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $280,000 available to offset future taxable
income, if any, through December 31, 2002.
In addition, at December 31, 1995, Bay Farms had alternative minimum tax
credit carryforwards of $65,211.
(b) CUMULATIVE EFFECT ON PRIOR YEARS OF APPLYING NEW METHOD OF ACCOUNTING
FOR INCOME TAXES
As explained in Note (1) (g), effective January 1, 1993, the Company
adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". As a
result, during the first quarter of 1993, the Company recorded a deferred tax
asset and the related cumulative effect on prior years of this accounting change
of $899,220. This cumulative effect arose primarily from the taxation of
deferred revenue during 1992 and 1991. During 1993, the deferred tax asset was
charged to income tax expense (shown as a component of the Company's
extraordinary gain for 1993), since the deferred revenue which originated the
deferred tax asset was recorded as an extraordinary gain for financial reporting
purposes (refer to Note 4).
NOTE 14 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary
course of business. Except as described in Note 11, in the opinion of
management, the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse
effect on the financial condition of the Company.
Refer to Notes 11, 15, and 17 for additional commitments and
contingencies.
F-27
<PAGE>
NOTE 15 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has guaranteed $400,000 of personal bank loans made to its
major shareholder by the Company's principal bank. The shareholder used a
portion of the proceeds from these loans to make loans to a former subsidiary
and its shareholders (refer to Note 19). A portion of this loan is currently
subject to litigation.
Refer to Notes 16 and 17 for additional related party transactions.
NOTE 16 - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company is authorized to issue 250,000 shares of preferred stock, par
value $.01 per share, in one or more series to be established from time to time
by the Company's Board of Directors.
On December 31, 1990, the Company issued 39,375 shares of preferred stock
known as "Series One Preferred Stock (the "Series"). The Company issued these
shares to the Spectors (the Company's major shareholders) in exchange for the
cancellation of indebtedness owed by the Company to the Spectors. The Series had
a right to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of $1.20 per share,
payable when and as dividends were declared by the Board of Directors. The
Series could also be converted into 4.444 fully paid shares of the Company's
common stock, at the option of the shareholder. During July 1992, the Company's
major shareholders elected to convert all of their preferred stock into 174,982
shares of common stock. These shares were issued in January 1993.
NOTE 17 - LEASE AND OPTION AGREEMENTS
(a) PROPERTY IN VEGA ALTA, PUERTO RICO
The Puerto Rico facility is leased from Michael J. Spector and Margaret D.
Spector, who are officers, directors and major shareholders of the Company.
Effective January 1, 1993, the Company entered into a lease agreement with
its major shareholders for an initial five year period at a monthly rental of
$19,000. In addition, the lessors have released the Company from responsibility
for any claims arising from the Company's use of Benlate in its operations at
the
F-28
<PAGE>
nursery facility. The Company has an option to renew this lease for an
additional five year period at the greater of $24,000 per month, or the original
$19,000 per month adjusted on the basis of the increase in the Wholesale Price
Index ("WPI") published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of
Labor Statistics, from the WPI which was in effect on January 1, 1993 to the WPI
in effect on January 1, 1998.
Under the above lease agreement, the Company has the option to purchase
the nursery facility at any time during the term of the lease, based on the
property's appraised value. The Company pays $1,000 per month for this purchase
option.
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company amended the lease agreement with
its major shareholders to include an additional 27 acres of land adjacent to the
nursery facility for a five year period at a monthly rental of $1,750. This
amendment does not provide for renewal nor purchase options towards the
additional 27 acres of land.
Total rental payments amounted to approximately $249,000 in 1995 and 1994
and $228,000 in 1993.
(b) PROPERTY IN CERRO GORDO, PUERTO RICO
In August 1990, the Company entered into an agreement to lease a residence
from a partnership whose partners include the Company's major shareholders. The
lease agreement calls for monthly lease payments of $2,000 during the first year
of the five year term and $2,500 for each of the remaining four years. In
addition, the Company is responsible for payment of utilities, property taxes,
insurance, maintenance, repairs and administration of the residence. During the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company incurred rental and
other expenses related to this property of approximately $41,000, $40,000 and
$38,000, respectively.
In February 1996, the Company purchased the residence from the partnership. The
purchase price, based on the appraised value of the property, amounted to
$220,800. The property was subject to a 10% commercial loan with a balance of
approximately $88,000, which was assumed by the Company.
F-29
<PAGE>
(c) AGGREGATE LEASE OBLIGATIONS AND EXPENSES
The Company's obligations under the above operating lease agreements, assuming
the Company exercises its renewal option on the Vega Alta, Puerto Rico property,
are as follows:
YEAR ENDING MINIMUM
DECEMBER 31, LEASE PAYMENTS
------------ --------------
1996 249,000
1997 249,000
1998 288,000
1999 288,000
2000 288,000
Thereafter 576,000
----------
$1,938,000
==========
Total rental expense under all operating lease agreements amounted to
approximately $279,000, $279,000, and $264,000, for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively.
NOTE 18 - STOCK BENEFITS PLAN
In June 1988, the Company adopted a stock benefits plan (the "Plan") to
replace the Company's existing employee stock option plan. Under the terms of
the Plan, the Company's Board of Directors, through a committee, can award up
to 300,000 shares of common stock to eligible employees through combinations of
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, and stock
purchase rights. As of December 31, 1991, the Company had established a stock
option plan and a stock purchase plan as described below:
F-30
<PAGE>
(a) EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company has an employee stock option plan under which certain employees may
be granted options to purchase shares of common stock generally at 100% of fair
market value at the time of the grant, except that options granted to persons
owning 10% or more of the outstanding common stock carry an exercise price equal
to 110% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options generally vest
over a period of five years, become exercisable one year from the date of grant
and expire ten years after the date of grant. During January 1993, 29,000 shares
under option were exercised at a purchase price between $2.00 and $5.00. The
status of the stock option plan as of December 31, 1995, is as follows:
UNEXPIRED SHARES
UNDER OPTION AT OPTION PRICE
YEAR OF GRANT 12/31/95 PER SHARE
------------- ---------------- -------------
1988 2,750 $2.00 - $2.20
1993 64,500 $2.88 - $3.16
------
67,250
======
At December 31, 1995, options to purchase 28,550 shares of
common stock were vested and exercisable.
b) EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
During the year ended December 31, 1988, the Company established an employee
stock purchase plan. At December 31, 1992, two employees had subscribed to
purchase 1,140 shares of the Company's common stock at an offering price of
$1.70 per share, which were issued during January 1993.
F-31
<PAGE>
NOTE 19 - ACQUISITION AND SALE OF CARIPLANT
During 1988, the Company entered into various agreements with the shareholders
of Cariplant, S.A., ("Cariplant") a Dominican Republic company. The agreements
allowed for, among other things, the Company to manage the operations of
Cariplant and have the option to purchase 100% of the outstanding common stock
of Cariplant through March 1993.
During March 1993, the Company exercised its option to purchase the outstanding
common shares of Cariplant for approximately $671,000, plus other incidental
costs. Also, during March 1993, the Company entered into an agreement to sell
the stock of Cariplant to Altec in exchange for a 15 year 8% note of $1,015,000
(refer to Note 7), plus the forgiveness of all intercompany balances
(approximately $1,842,000 owed by the Company) and the assumption by the Company
of a mortgage loan of Cariplant of approximately $84,000.
As a result of the sale of the stock of Cariplant, the Company incurred a loss
of $640,790, of which $600,000 was recognized in 1992 and $40,790 in 1993,
determined as follows:
DESCRIPTION AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------ ----------
Investment in Cariplant $ 912,606
Additional costs incurred in the purchase of the
stock of Cariplant 77,924
Earnings of Cariplant from April 1, 1989 through
the date of sale 2,402,241
----------
3,392,771
----------
Less: Selling price 1,015,000
Intercompany balances due 1,842,675
Assumption of mortgage loan (84,317)
Legal and other expenses (21,377)
----------
2,751,981
----------
Loss on sale of Cariplant $ 640,790
==========
Simultaneously with the sale of Cariplant, the Company closed its marketing
subsidiary in Europe, Margo Imports, whose primary function was to sell nursery
products from Cariplant.
F-32
<PAGE>
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR THE STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(a) NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
During 1994, the Company transferred certain inventory used as stock plants
amounting to $97,277, to fixed assets.
During 1993, the Company sold Cariplant to another Dominican Republic Company in
exchange for a 15 year note of $1,015,000, plus the forgiveness of intercompany
balances of approximately $1,842,000 owed by the Company and the assumption by
the Company of a mortgage loan of Cariplant of approximately $84,000.
(b) NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES
During 1994, the Company recorded a $680,962 write-down of a note receivable
related to the sale of Cariplant (refer to Note 7).
During 1993, the Company applied $1,179,521 from the payment of common stock
dividends to related amounts due from its major shareholder. Also, during 1993,
the Company converted 39,375 shares ($394) of its Series One Preferred Stock
into common shares.
(c) OTHER CASH FLOW TRANSACTIONS
During the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company made
interest payments of $110,900, $75,200 and $31,300, respectively, and made
income tax payments of $25,000 and $523,000 during the years ended December 31,
1994 and 1993, respectively.
NOTE 21 - MAJOR CUSTOMERS
During 1995, 1994 and 1993 the Company's single largest customer for each of
such years, accounted for approximately 28% ($1,391,000) 20% ($740,000) and 12%
($287,000), respectively, of the Company's net sales.
This customer accounts for approximately 15% and 20% of trade accounts
receivable at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
F-33
<PAGE>
NOTE 22 - SIGNIFICANT FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS
During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company recorded a valuation reserve for
inventory at its South Florida facility amounting to $218,750.
During the fourth quarter of 1994, the Company recorded a $680,962 write-down of
a note receivable related to the sale of Cariplant (refer to Note 7).
During the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company incurred approxi mately $556,000
in costs associated with the storage, maintenance and disposal of plants which
may have been contaminated by a defective fungicide. These costs are included in
the extraordinary gain for the year ended December 31, 1993.
NOTE 23 - DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS
The schedule below presents information about the Company's operations in
different geographic areas. Domestic operations include those of Puerto Rico and
South Florida. Foreign operations include those of Margo Imports (Europe).
Income from operations is determined as total net sales less cost of sales
and selling, general and administrative expenses. In computing income from
operations, extraordinary gain (loss), provision for (benefit from) income
taxes, interest expense and other income are not added or deducted. No
allocation of general corporate expenses has been made to foreign operations.
Identifiable assets are those assets of the Company that are identified
with the operations in each geographic area less investments in other geographic
areas.
F-34
<PAGE>
NOTE 23
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
DOMESTIC EUROPE ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ------ ------------ ------------
1995
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales to local unaffiliated customers $ 4,939,718 $ -- $ -- $ 4,933,718
Transfers between geographic areas -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------- ------------
Total net sales $ 4,933,718 $ -- $ -- $ 4,933,718
============ ============ ======= ============
Loss from operations $ (328,524) $ (4,498) $ -- $ (333,022)
============ ============ ======= ============
Identifiable assets at December 31, 1995 $ 15,397,977 $ 2,605 $ -- $ 15,400,582
============ ============ ======= ============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales to local unaffiliated customers $ 3,679,367 $ -- $ -- $ 3,679,367
Transfers between geographic areas -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------- ------------
Total net sales $ 3,679,367 $ -- $ -- $ 3,679,367
============ ============ ======= ============
Loss from operations $ (311,481) $ (4,157) $ -- $ (315,638)
============ ============ ======= ============
Identifiable assets at December 31, 1994 $ 15,926,570 $ 4,087 $ -- $ 15,930,657
============ ============ ======= ============
</TABLE>
F-35
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGO NURSERY FARMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
- -------------------------------------- ---------- -------------------------- ---------- -----------
BALANCE CHARGED TO CHARGED TO
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER BALANCE
DESCRIPTION OF YEAR EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS END OF YEAR
----------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 153,000 $ 58,000 $ - $ (74,900) $136,100
Allowance for inventory valuation $ 100,000 $ - - - 100,000
--------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
$ 253,000 $ 58,000 $ - $ (74,900) $236,100
========= ======== ======== ========== ========
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful account $ 136,100 $ - $ - $ - $136,100
Allowance for inventory valuation $ 100,000 $ - - - 100,000
--------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
$ 236,100 $ - $ - $ - $236,100
========= ======== ======== ========== ========
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 136,100 $ 6,786 $ - $ (6,786) $136,100
Allowance for inventory valuation $ 100,000 $250,000 - - 350,000
--------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
$ 236,100 $256,786 $ - $ (6,786) $486,100
========= ======== ======== ========== ========
</TABLE>
F-36
NUMBER FIVE
DEED OF SALE
At San Juan, Puerto Rico, this fourteenth (14) day of February, nineteen
hundred ninety six
BEFORE ME
BLAS R. FERRAIUOLI MARTINEZ, Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public in and for
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, residing in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and with
offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
APPEAR
AS PARTY OF THE FIRST PART: S. & P., S. E., a special partnership
organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
employer identification number 66-0467033 herein represented by Douglas Pennock
Washburn Social Security Number ###-##-#### of legal age, married a property
owner and a resident of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico (hereinafter referred to as the
"SELLERS").
AS PARTY OF THE SECOND PART: Margo Nursery Farms, Inc., a corporation duly
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida, employer
identification number 59-2807561, herein represented by Alfonso Ortega Perez,
Social Security number ###-##-#### of legal age, married to Ada Balasquide,
property owner and a resident of San Juan, Puerto Rico (hereinafter referred to
as the ("BUYER").
I, the Notary, give faith of the personal knowledge of the party of the
appearing parties and believe they have and they have assured me that they do
have, the necessary legal capacity to execute this.
<PAGE>
DEED OF CONVEYANCE AND SALE
and they freely state that:
FIRST: THE PROPERTY. The Seller is the owner in fee simple ("pleno
dominio") of the following property (the "PROPERTY"):
RUSTICA: Solar marcado con el #8 del plano de inscripcion del Municipio de
Vega Alta con una cabida superficial de 470.09 m.c., colinda por el Norte en
21.70 metros con camino municipal,, por el Sur en 24.04 metros con solar #7 de
dicho plano de inscripcion, por el oste en 24.04 metros con el solar #9 de dicho
plano de inscripcion y por el Oeste en 16.13 metros y en arco de 5.64 metros con
la calle a de dicho proyecto. Contiene una residencia para una familia de dos
plantas que consta de 4 habitaciones y family room, localizados en el segundo
piso, sala, comedor, cocina, vestibulo con terraza y 3 banos, hecha dicha
residencia en madera y concreto armado, la misma tiene 37 pies de ancho por
42.06 pies de largo aproximadamente de area techada valorada en $38,610.00,
segun consta de la escritura 36 otorgada en San Juan,, Puerto Rico el 25 de
noviembre de 1986 ante el notario Manuel Reyes Gonzalez, donde comparece Pedro
Axel Rivera Flores sobre acta de construccion.
RECORDATION DATA: "The above described Property is recorded at page 251 of
volume 159 of Vega Alta, Registry of Bayamon, as property number 8,560.
TITLE: The Seller received title to the Property above described by virtue
of Deed Number twenty three (23), executed the thirty first day of August,
nineteen hundred ninety (1990) before Notary public Blas R. Ferraiuoli Martinez.
<PAGE>
LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES: The above described Property is subject to the
following liens and encumbrances.
1. Mortgage in guarantee of a Note payable to the Bearer in the principal
amount of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($155,000.00), interest at the
rate of ten per cent (10%) as it appears from deed number twenty four (24),
executed in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August thirty first, nineteen hundred
ninety (1990) before notary public Blas R. Ferraiuoli Martinez.
The mortgage referred in the above paragraph is reduce to the amount of
EIGHTY SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE DOLLARS AND TWELVE CENTS
($87,789.12).
The Buyer assumes the payment of the balance of the above mentioned
mortgage and releases Seller from all and any liability related to this
mortgage.
OTHER LIENS: The Notary avers to the parties hereto that other documents
affecting title may have been presented or may be presented at the Registry of
Properties prior to the presentation of the certified copy of this deed and that
said documents may affect the title and/or create additional liens and/or
encumbrances on the Properties. The above notwithstanding, the parties have
agreed to execute this deed with the Seller' acknowledgment and warranty that it
shall be unconditionally liable to the Buyer as to any such activity affecting
the title being conveyed or created additional liens and encumbrances on the
Property.
<PAGE>
SECOND: SALE AND PURCHASE. The Seller and the Buyer have agreed on the
purchase and sale of the Property described in paragraph First hereinbefore, and
they do hereby carry out their agreement under the following terms and
conditions:
One: SALE: The Seller hereby Sell, Convey and Transfer to the Buyer, who
buys the Property on as "As Is" basis, together with all of its rights,
privileges and interest thereunto appertaining, free and clear of liens and
encumbrances except for those liens and other conditions referred to in the
subdivision entitled Liens and Encumbrances of paragraph First hereof.
Two: PURCHASE PRICE: This sale is made for the agreed price of TWO HUNDRED
TWENTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS ($220,800.00) from which amount the Seller
hereby acknowledge having received prior to this date and to its full
satisfaction the sum of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THREE THOUSAND TEN DOLLARS AND EIGHTY
EIGHT CENTS ($133,010.88) and retain the balance to paid at its due date the
mortgage above mentioned.
Three: DELIVERY OF POSSESSION. The Seller, by the mere execution of this
deed, deliver legal and material possession of the Property herein sold to the
Buyer, free and clear of any and all occupants.
<PAGE>
SELLER' REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Seller, in addition to any
other representation and/or warranty hereinabove or hereinafter made,
irrevocably and unconditionally represent and warrant to the Buyer that (I)
Seller are the sole owner in fee simple ("pleno domino") of the Property and
have full, marketable and recordable title to the Property, (ii) no taxes,
liens, assessments or other obligations have been levied or re owed and/or
otherwise outstanding as to the Property, (iii) the Property is located in a
flood-prone zone or site, (iv) there are no threatened, pending or filed claims,
suits, eminent domain or condemnation proceedings or other actions against the
Property or against the Seller and affecting the Property, (v) there are no
contracts, agreements, options or other arrangements, whether verbal or written,
affecting or otherwise limiting or impairing the use and/or exploitation of the
Property by the Buyer, (vi) there are no leases or other rights off occupancy or
possession of the Property, (vii) the Property has never been used to discharge,
hold or store hazardous substances, nor are there any notices, claims, suits or
actions pending related to violations or non-compliance with applicable
environmental statues and regulations, and (viii) the use of the Property has
been in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations,
restrictive covenants, and ordinances. The Seller assume the obligations and
provide the warranties of a Seller under the provisions of the Civil Code of
Puerto Rico.
<PAGE>
THIRD: TAXES. The undersigned Notary has advised the parties hereto that
real property taxes for the last five (5) tax years and the current tax year
constitute a senior, preferred statutory lien on the property. The Seller
warrant to the Buyer having fully and timely paid and discharged any and all
taxes and/or assessments levied on or affecting the Properties being sold
hereunder. The Seller and the Buyer are aware of the contents of the Property
Tax Payment Receipt Certificate of Tax Debt issued by the Treasury Department of
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico dated.
The Seller agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Buyer against any and
all claims, damages, costs and expenses as may arise in connection with any such
taxes.
The parties hereto agree to apportion prepaid property taxes as follows:
(I) the Seller shall be liable for taxes owed for the period prior to the
execution of this deed, and (ii) the Buyer shall be liable for all taxes
accruing as of said date.
The Buyer has been advised by the undersigned Notary as to the need to
file a tax exemption petition for the Property before the Treasury Department
(to the extent such a tax exemption were to be applicable to this transaction).
FOURTH: UTILITIES AND OTHER CHARGES, FEES AND EXPENSES. The Seller
acknowledge that charges for power, water, telephone and other utilities and
such charges, fees and expenses owed to this date by virtue of the Seller'
ownership, or operation of the Property conveyed hereunder have been timely and
fully paid and discharged and the Seller agree to indemnify and hold the Buyer
harmless against any and all claims, damages, costs and expenses as may arise in
connection therewith. Any such current utility, charges, fees or expense
remaining unpaid shall be exclusively for the Seller' account, all such items
hereinafter accruing shall be for the account of the Buyer.
<PAGE>
FIFTH: FEES AND EXPENSES OF DEED. The parties agree that notarial fee
applicable to this deed and internal revenue stamps required to be canceled on
the original of this deed shall be for the account of the Seller and the
internal revenue stamps of the first certified copy of this deed and the fees
for recordation of the same shall be for the account of the Buyer.
All such fees, stamps and expenses shall be paid by the respective party
simultaneously with the execution of this deed.
SIXTH: ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. The parties hereto agree to execute and
deliver such other public and private documents and pay such fees, costs and
expenses may be required to formalize and record the foregoing conveyance.
SEVENTH: The appearing parties accept this instrument in all of its parts,
as they find the same drafted in accordance with their instructions and I, the
Notary, do hereby CERTIFY that I have advised the appearing parties (I) that the
Property is described and the liens and encumbrances are listed herein as
reflected by certain title reports prepared by an independent third party and
not by the undersigned Notary; (ii) that this deed must be recorded in the
appropriate Registry of Property; (iii) of the possibility of intervening
document affecting title being presented for recordation prior to the execution
and/or presentation of this deed and of the preference or seniority that said
intervening liens and/or encumbrances may gain
<PAGE>
by such prior execution or earlier presentation; (iv) of the desirability of
verifying the status of liens and encumbrances on the Property as may appear
from the Registry of Properties on this day and of the adverse consequence which
may result from the failure to do so; (v) of the possible existence and pendency
of additional unrecorded statutory liens and real properties taxes in favor of
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico); and (vi) of the statutory requirement that the
conveying party give notice of this transaction to the Department of the
Treasury of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The appearing parties, having read this deed, ratify its contents, place
their initials on very page of this instrument and sign before me, the Notary
who certify my acquaintance with the appearing parties, as stated before, their
personal circumstances in accordance with their statements and all other things
herein contained.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1995
<CASH> 785,490<F1>
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,272,680
<ALLOWANCES> 136,104
<INVENTORY> 2,340,373
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 11,217,572
<PP&E> 4,692,186
<DEPRECIATION> 1,104,204
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 15,400,582
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 6,197,473
<BONDS> 354,707
0
0
<COMMON> 1,915
<OTHER-SE> 8,846,487
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 15,400,582
<SALES> 4,933,718
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 5,431,948
<CGS> 3,156,360
<TOTAL-COSTS> 5,828,282
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 421,313
<INCOME-PRETAX> (386,334)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (396,334)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.21)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
<FN>
<F1>Cash does not include short term investment in certificate of deposit of
$500,000, as well as restricted cash, also in certificates of deposit,
for $6,732,597 (in escrow), pending resolution of litigation with
financial institution.
</FN>
</TABLE>
