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FORM 10-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 29, 1995
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from __________________ to _____________________.
Commission File Number 0-4485
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3266114
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
47-05 Metropolitan Avenue, Ridgewood, New York 11385
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (718) 417-3770
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 $.05 per share ("Common Stock")
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days Yes X No
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in the 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 voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based on the $7.81 average of the closing bid and asked prices
reported by NASDAQ/NMS on March 15, 1996 was $11,959,273.
As of March 15, 1996, the registrant had issued and outstanding 5,463,317 shares
of Common Stock.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents, or indicated portions thereof, have been
incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Specifically identified information in the registrant's definitive
proxy material for its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated
by reference as Part III hereof, which definitive proxy material shall be
filed not later than 120 days after the registrant's fiscal year ended
December 29, 1995.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
FOR THE PURPOSE OF "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K is forward-looking, such as information relating to
the timely completion of stores under renovation and construction, the
recoverability of deferred taxes, the continued availability of credit lines for
capital expansion, the suitability of facilities, access to suppliers and
implementation of technological improvement programs. Such forward-looking
information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly
affect expected results in the future from those expressed in any
forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. These risks
and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties relating to
economic conditions; delays and other hazards inherent in building and
construction; competition in both the retail and wholesale markets; government
and regulatory policies and certifications (in particular those relating to the
United States Department of Agriculture food stamp program); the pricing and
availability of the products the Company sells and distributes, including
Western Beef brand products; potential delays in the implementation of the
Company's technological improvement programs; and the effectiveness of such
programs upon implementation.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Western Beef, Inc., ("Western Beef" or the "Company") consists principally
of a retail food business that currently operates 17 high-volume, warehouse-type
supermarkets and a wholesale food business (which primarily deals in beef, pork,
poultry and provisions). The supermarkets serve the New York metropolitan area,
and the wholesale business operates in the New York, New Jersey and Eastern
Pennsylvania markets. In 1995, 1994, and 1993 the retail supermarket business
accounted for approximately 69%, 68% and 67% respectively, of net sales. See
ITEM 7, MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
To a greater extent than most chain supermarkets, the Company's retail food
stores cater to the particular ethnic groups in each store's respective market
by making available the brand names and packaging of food products customarily
used by each ethnic group. Also differentiating Western Beef is the belief of
the management of the Company ("Management") that operating costs can be
reduced, where practicable, by cooling large areas of a store rather than using
stand-alone freezers and refrigerated counters. Accordingly, a large portion of
most of the Company's retail food stores is kept at refrigerator-like
temperatures, which allows the Company to offer a high volume of fresh,
perishable merchandise with less handling. The Company passes a portion of the
savings through to the consumer in the form of lower prices.
The retail and wholesale food businesses are generally characterized by low
profit margins, with earnings primarily dependent on rapid inventory turnover,
careful cost controls and the ability to achieve high sales volume. Since many
food products, particularly produce, meat and dairy products, are subject to
spoilage and become unmarketable with the passage of time, it is important to
avoid overstocks and to reduce excess inventories when they occur. This is
usually accomplished by promotional sales at reduced prices. It is advantageous
to combine wholesale and retail businesses under common ownership because
overstocks in the wholesale business can be relieved by promotional sales in
commonly-owned retail stores. Commonly-owned operations can also more readily
take advantage of opportunities for bargain purchases, including stocks with
shorter than usual shelf life, as they become available in wholesale markets.
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HISTORY
Western Beef, Inc., (successor by merger on June 5, 1991, to Southern Blvd.
Supermarkets, Inc., which was incorporated in New York on February 6, 1985) was
incorporated in Delaware on June 3, 1991, pursuant to an Agreement of
Combination entered into on April 1, 1989. Effective October 30, 1992, Quarex
Industries, Inc., ("Quarex") (originally organized under the name Ranchers
Packing Corp., in 1963) combined (the "Combination") with the food businesses of
P.S.L. Food Market, Inc., ("PSL") and Southern Blvd. Supermarkets, Inc.,
("Southern"), which were owned by certain members of the Castellana family who
were the controlling stockholders of Quarex (the "Principal Stockholders"). The
PSL/Southern food business operated six retail food stores in the New York
metropolitan area similar to those operated by Quarex, one small retail food
store and two small wholesale produce businesses. The Combination, accounted for
in a manner similar to a "pooling of interests," was proposed in order to
eliminate the purchase and sale of food products and certain other dealings, and
the related conflicts of interest, between the Principal Stockholders and
Quarex, and to form a stronger company. Pursuant to the combination, each share
of Quarex common stock, was converted into one share of common stock in the
combined company, renamed "Quarex Industries, Inc.," and the Principal
Stockholders received an additional 1,400,000 shares of common stock, and the
public owned approximately 28% of the combined company compared to 38% of
Quarex. In January 1993, the combined company's name was changed to "Western
Beef, Inc."
The Company continues to lease retail food stores, office and warehouse
facilities from affiliates of the Principal Stockholders. Pursuant to the
Agreement of Combination, independent appraisals were obtained of the rentals
under all then existing Company leases in which the Principal Stockholders had
an interest as landlord or tenant (other than one food store lease which was
fixed on a formula basis), and any necessary revisions were made effective as of
January 4, 1992, so that in the aggregate, such rentals did not exceed fair
market value, and the PSL/Southern leases in which the Principal Stockholders
have any interest have been amended where necessary, so that the rentals
thereunder do not exceed fair market value as established by independent
appraisal. In addition, Management and the Principal Stockholders agreed that
any future leases from such affiliates would be based on fair market value as
established by independent appraisal.
FISCAL 1995 DEVELOPMENTS
The Company opened three new retail supermarkets in 1995, bringing the
total number of supermarkets open to seventeen and also began the renovation of
another supermarket, its eighteenth, to be opened in April 1996, on West End
Avenue in Manhattan. In addition, the Company commenced an 8,000 square foot
expansion, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 1996, at
its College Point Boulevard supermarket. During 1995 the Company replaced a
significant part of its transportation fleet by the acquisition of fifteen
semi-trailers, six dry trailers, seventeen tractors and four trucks.
To pay for the aforementioned capital improvements, the Company borrowed
approximately $1,000,000 in December 1995, and an additional $1,000,000 in
January 1996. These borrowings will be repaid over a five year period at 7.55%
interest per annum. The truck fleet additions were financed through a series of
leasing programs, over seven and ten year periods.
To pay for these and other 1996 capital additions, the Company obtained a
$3,000,000 credit facility from a finance company. The Company also has, from
its bank, a $3,000,000 working capital line of credit of which approximately
$2,639,000 is available to fund future operating and construction programs.
The Company continued its dedication to technological progress by expanding
its new information systems department. This department is continuing to develop
in-house applications to improve efficiency in all facets of the business. In
1995 a uniform check-out scanning system was completed for all of its retail
supermarkets and a program to reduce the time required to prepare financial
analyses was made possible by the implementation of consolidated on-line
applications. The Company reduced operating overhead by streamlining the process
for the transmission and summarization of employee time clock data. To control
product costs and, at the same time, produce item-level buying and merchandising
analyses, the Company commenced an electronic accounts payable system for its
primary supplier. The Company's fleet operation was also automated to control
vehicle expenses, including service and repair costs.
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RETAIL OPERATIONS
Western Beef operates 17 retail supermarkets in the New York metropolitan
area under the trade name "Western Beef." Its first two stores were opened in
1973 and 1979. In the late 1980's Management decided to follow a more aggressive
growth and expansion program consisting of new store acquisitions and
remodelings and/or closings of smaller stores. Since that time, the Company has
continued to search out suitable locations in the New York metropolitan area to
open up new stores. In 1995 and 1993 the Company opened three and four stores,
respectively. No stores were opened in 1994.
For the years 1995, 1994, and 1993, the Company's retail capital
expenditures were $9,027,000, $2,801,000 and $11,340,000 respectively.
All stores are owned by separate subsidiaries of the Company, with the
exception of two subsidiaries, which each have two stores, and most are free
standing. All are open seven days a week, including evenings, and are
high-volume operations most of which are in refrigerated, warehouse-type
facilities, divided into separate areas kept at different temperatures.
Non-perishable items are displayed in an area maintained at normal room
temperatures. Produce, if sold by the store, is displayed either in an enclosed
area maintained at approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or in refrigerated cases
with temperatures maintained at 37 degrees Fahrenheit where moisture content may
be maintained by automatic misting equipment. Meat, both pre-packaged and large
cuts which may be sliced to order on the premises, dairy and deli products are
sold from separate areas maintained at 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the
Company's stores also contain stand-alone freezers which maintain temperatures
suitable for storage of frozen foods such as ice cream, frozen vegetables and
frozen entrees. The stores sell a complete line of meat, poultry, grocery,
dairy, produce, delicatessen and other perishables and non-food products such as
health and beauty aids and household utensils.
Five of the Company's stores operate on-premise bakeries which prepare
baked goods such as bread, rolls, bagels and pastries from basic ingredients.
One of these stores supplies two other stores with fresh baked goods. It is
anticipated that as capacity permits these baked goods will be introduced into
all of the Company's stores. Most stores also operate delicatessen departments
which cut to order the various cheeses and processed meats displayed.
The Company promotes its "Western Beef" retail food stores in store
circulars and in local newspapers, generally at least once a week, in
advertisements designed by Company personnel, and on local radio stations and
smaller cable television networks in both the English and Spanish languages.
The Company's 17 retail supermarkets currently open range in size from
9,000 square feet to 83,000 square feet, with an average of 29,000 square feet
per store. They are supported by Company warehouses totalling 165,000 square
feet. Approximately 71% of the Company's retail purchases are derived from the
Company's warehouses; the remaining purchases are delivered directly to the
stores from manufacturers or wholesalers. The largest outside supplier to the
Company is White Rose Food ("White Rose") whose president is a member of the
Company's board of directors. In 1995 White Rose accounted for approximately 14%
of the Company's retail purchases. No other supplier accounts for a material
percentage of the Company's purchases. The Company believes that the loss of
White Rose as a supplier would not have a long term adverse effect on the
Company's performance since the Company has access to several other similar
suppliers.
During 1995 the Company increased the number and diversity of the products
marketed under the Western Beef brand label. These products, which are purchased
from national and local food manufacturers accounted for 7.4% of the Company's
retail purchases in 1995 as compared with 1% of retail purchases in 1994.
Western Beef brand products are generally well accepted by the Company's retail
customers and more Western Beef brand products will continue to be introduced.
In general, Western Beef brand products, which are priced 20% to 50% lower than
the comparable national brand products, generate higher gross profit margins
than brand name merchandise.
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WHOLESALE OPERATIONS
The Company also conducts a wholesale food business. It purchases beef,
pork, poultry and provisions directly from major slaughterhouses, meat and
poultry processors and other suppliers on a daily basis to ensure a supply of
fresh products and to be responsive to customer needs. The Company also
warehouses and distributes grocery, produce, dairy and frozen food products to
its own retail food stores.
The Company distributes these products from its warehouses in Ridgewood,
New York, which operate 24 hours per day. Inventory is turned over on average,
more than once per week; however, notwithstanding such turnover, the wholesale
business requires large amounts of working capital for financing inventory and
accounts receivable.
To facilitate its wholesale business and retail distribution, the Company
(through a subsidiary) owns and operates a fleet of tractors, trailers and
trucks, most of which are refrigerated. Although at various times since 1989 the
Company transported on a limited basis food products for others, substantially
all trucking operations now are conducted for the Company's internal operations.
COMPETITION
The wholesale and retail segments of the food industry throughout the
marketing areas served by the Company are competitive. These businesses are
generally characterized by low profit margins, with earnings primarily dependent
on rapid inventory turnover, careful cost controls and the ability to achieve
high sales volume.
Competition manifests itself in virtually every aspect of the retail food
business, including pricing, advertising and promotion, store size, location and
attractiveness, hours of operation, product selection and quality, employee
friendliness, service and parking facilities. Although Management believes the
Company's retail stores price their products very competitively, such pricing
has been made possible principally because of the low overhead realized by
presenting the food in a no-frills, warehouse type, bulk display setting, in
most of its stores without the typical shelving, lighting, decor and other
amenities offered by most supermarkets. In the past the Company's retail food
business has grown by opening food stores in locations in metropolitan New York
City areas where its stores were larger than existing independent supermarkets
and convenience food stores and where there had been a limited presence of
national or regional chain supermarkets. The Company has experienced competition
from larger supermarket chains, some of which have greater resources than the
Company, as well as with other independent operators. Such competitors have and
are likely to continue expanding by opening retail food stores within the
Company's markets. Although Management believes it will be able to continue to
compete on the basis of quality, price and reputation, there can be no assurance
that it will be able to maintain or or improve its competitive position.
Wholesale competition is based principally on price, quality and service,
including the extension of favorable credit terms. Financially stronger
wholesale competitors may be better suited to take advantage of distressed,
"bargain" price opportunities which arise during periods of oversupply and to
finance the cost of carrying large inventories and receivables during periods of
market weakness. The wholesale division competes with several other companies on
the wholesale level, some of which are larger than the Company and may have
greater resources. There are adequate supplies and multiple sources of the
products which the Company distributes and sells. However, there is a trend
toward concentration in the industry with many small suppliers being acquired by
larger concerns, which has made it more difficult to obtain product at
advantageous prices.
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GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The food business is subject to, and affected by, substantial and complex
federal, state and local laws and regulations that apply to the sale of food at
both the wholesale and retail level, and it is required to obtain certain
federal, state and local permits and/or licenses for accepting United States
Department of Agriculture ("USDA") food stamps, and WIC (Women, Infants and
Children) checks (assistance checks which can only be used to purchase certain
dairy and grocery items) operating a bakery, processing meat, selling fresh and
frozen produce and selling beer and wine coolers, and otherwise in order to
conduct business. In addition, such regulation includes unannounced inspections
by government officials investigating sanitary conditions, weights, measures and
other matters. The Company believes it currently holds all licenses and permits
required to conduct its business and in all material respects is in compliance
with applicable regulations. For fiscal 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, food
stamp sales accounted for approximately 25%, 24% and 24% of the Company's retail
sales. There would be a material adverse effect on the Company in the event it
were to suffer the loss of its USDA permits to accept food stamps or if the
Government was to reduce or eliminate the food stamp program.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 12, 1996, the Company's retail business employed approximately
1,700 people and its wholesale business employed approximately 100 people. There
are no collective bargaining agreements covering any employees, and labor
relations are considered to be satisfactory.
SEASONALITY
No material portion of the Company's business is affected by seasonal
fluctuations, except that sales are generally strongest around the holidays,
particularly the Fourth of July and Easter Sunday.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
Compliance with federal, state and local laws enacted for the protection of
the environment has no material effect on the Company, nor does the Company
anticipate any material adverse effects in the future based on the nature of the
business or the passage of new laws.
DEPENDENCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS
The business of the Company is not dependent on a single or a few
customers.
ORDER BACKLOG
The Company does not have any backlog of orders.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
The Company has not expended material amounts on research and development
activities.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Other than licenses to accept USDA food stamps and WIC checks (see
"Government Regulation") the Company does not have any material contracts or
sub-contracts with any governmental agency.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES-GENERAL
The buildings utilized by the Company were constructed at various dates
between 1918 and 1993. The warehouse facilities are considered to be in good
condition. The Company's retail facilities have been opened or modernized in
recent years and are also considered to be in good condition. The Company
believes, to the best of its knowledge, that all its physical facilities both
owned and leased, are suitable and adequate for their intended uses and
purposes.
PROPERTY-RETAIL
As of December 29, 1995, the Company owned three and leased fourteen of its
open supermarkets. Eight of the leased supermarkets are rented from
non-affiliated real estate developers and the other six are leased from entities
owned by the Principal Stockholders (see "Item 1 BUSINESS HISTORY"). (The
Company has also entered into a lease with a non-affiliated entity for the new
supermarket in Manhattan, expected to open in April, 1996.) The Company's
supermarkets are leased for terms which may include options of up to 40 years
under leases which generally require the Company to pay for all real estate
taxes, repairs and insurance. The average remaining life, including renewal
options, on supermarkets leased from non-affiliates and from Principal
Stockholders is 25 and 13 years, respectively.
The Company owns undeveloped land adjacent to its College Point store
subject to a $1,000,000 mortgage due October 2003, at 9% interest payable in
monthly installments of approximately $13,000. The Company is currently
constructing, on this site, an 8,000 square foot expansion to its retail store
and enlarging its parking facilities. This expansion is expected to be completed
in the third quarter of 1996.
The Company leases approximately 78,000 and 15,000 square feet of warehouse
storage space for its grocery and produce distribution warehouses, respectively,
and an additional 20,000 square feet of office, storage and cooler space in
Ridgewood, New York, from entities owned by the Principal Stockholders.
PROPERTY-WHOLESALE
Under a lease purchase agreement the Company occupies a two-story warehouse
building located in Ridgewood, New York, of approximately 178,000 square feet
with an adjacent parking area, requiring annual base rental payments of
approximately $251,000 per year with the final payment scheduled for August
2004, plus taxes, utilities and all other operating costs. The Company utilizes
approximately 45,000 square feet for its wholesale operations and 133,000 square
feet for its retail operations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In 1995 the Company was subject to the following action:
In BOCK V. THE QUAREX CO. commenced in April 1991, in New York Supreme
Court, Putnam County, plaintiffs sought to prevent a scheduled foreclosure of
certain collateral held by the Company as security for its loan to one of the
plaintiffs in the original principal amount of $85,000 of which approximately
$65,000 was outstanding. Thereafter, in a complaint served in March 1992,
plaintiffs interposed three causes of action on behalf of themselves and a
previously unnamed plaintiff, C.B. Foods, Inc., which was owned by the
plaintiffs and was a customer of the Company's wholesale business, seeking (1) a
declaration that the loan had been repaid; (2) compensatory damages of
$30,000,000 and exemplary damages of $10,000,000 for fraud allegedly committed
by the Company, and (3) compensatory damages of $2,000,000 and exemplary damages
of $10,000,000 for abuse of process allegedly committed by the Company. In its
answer, the Company denied liability and all
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material allegations of the complaint. Following a motion by the Company, the
court ordered plaintiffs' third cause of action for abuse of process,
dismissed, for failure to state a claim and ordered all claims of C.B. Foods,
Inc., struck from the complaint on the ground that it was not a party to the
action. Plaintiffs have appealed the court's order. By order made on the
record on January 19,1994, the court dismissed the complaint for plaintiff's
disobedience of prior court orders and their failure to prosecute their
claims. Plaintiffs have moved to modify the January 19, 1994 order. If they
are not successful, an appeal is anticipated which the Company would
vigorously defend. The Company believes the resolution of this matter will
not adversely affect its financial position.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the
fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded over-the-counter in the NASDAQ
National Market System ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "BEEF".
The range of the high and low bid prices per share of the Common Stock
during the last two fiscal years, listed under the name Western Beef, Inc. as
reported by NASDAQ, is set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
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FISCAL 1995
1st Quarter 7 1/4 6
2nd Quarter 6 3/4 5 1/4
3rd Quarter 6 3/4 5 3/4
4th Quarter 6 5/8 4 3/8
FISCAL 1994
1st Quarter 11 1/8 8 1/4
2nd Quarter 9 5 1/4
3rd Quarter 7 1/2 5 7/8
4th Quarter 8 5 3/4
</TABLE>
As of March 15, 1996, there were 361 holders of record of the Company's
Common Stock whose closing bid price on NASDAQ was $7.50 per share.
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. Payment of
dividends, if any, will be within the discretion of the Company's Board of
Directors and will depend, among other factors, on earnings, capital
requirements and the operating and financial condition of the Company. At the
present time, the Company's anticipated capital requirements are such that it
intends to follow a policy of retaining earnings, if any, in order to finance
the development of its business.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following data, which is provided for comparative purposes only,
reflects the pro forma adjustments which give effect to the October 30, 1992
combination of Quarex Industries, Inc., and the PSL/Southern food business as if
it had occurred in fiscal 1991. Such data does not purport to be indicative
either of the results which actually would have been obtained if the Combination
had been effected in that year or of the results which may be obtained in the
future.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESTERN BEEF, INC. PRO FORMA
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
YEARS ENDED
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December 29, December 30, December 31, January 1, January 3,
1995 1994 1993 1993 1992
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $301,387 $291,886 $274,107 $297,777 $269,986
Net income $ 4,934 $ 4,773 $ 4,422 $ 4,309 $ 3,835
Net income per share of common stock(1) $ .90 $ .87 $ .81 $ .79 $ .70
Total assets $ 63,313 $ 54,731 $ 48,530 $ 37,033 $ 35,966
Long-term obligations $ 7,691 $ 7,224 $ 5,614 $ 1,789 $ 1,752
</TABLE>
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(1) Adjusted to reflect 10% stock split in January 1993.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial
statements and the related notes included herein.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 1995 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1994
For the year ended December 29, 1995, the Company achieved net income of
$4,934,000 or $.90 per share on net sales of $301,387,000 as compared to 1994
net income of $4,773,000 or $.87 per share on net sales of $291,886,000.
The 3.25% increase in net sales in 1995 over 1994 resulted mainly from the
opening in 1995 of the three new retail outlets, which raised overall retail
sales as a percentage of total sales to 69% compared to 68% in 1994.
Gross profits for 1995 and 1994 were 24.0% and 23.5%, respectively. The
retail segment contributed 89% of the gross profit for both years.
Selling, general and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of
sales increased to 20.2% in 1995 from 19.6% in 1994. Included in 1995 costs were
approximately $1.2 million of store opening costs related to the three new
stores opened in 1995. No new stores were opened in 1994.
RETAIL SEGMENT
Sales increased 4.7% due to the opening of the three new stores in 1995.
Same store sales were down 4.39% for the year. To combat the decline in same
store sales, which had been trending downward for the past two years, the
Company, in the second quarter of 1995, began a program of resetting stores and
improving advertising and merchandising. For stores open more than one year,
this program has resulted in sales for the fourth quarter of 1995 which were
approximately equal to the sales for such stores in the fourth quarter of 1994
and sales for the first eleven weeks of 1996, which were 1.57% above the sales
for such stores for the same period of 1995. Gross profits for 1995 and 1994
were 30.8% and 30.7%, respectively. Income from operations for the retail
segment increased 3% to $7,781,000 in 1995 from $7,661,000 in 1994.
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The retail division expects competition from major chains as the Company
expands and continues to open new retail supermarkets. Several of the Company's
retail stores have been impacted by this competition; however, the Company
believes that its ability to serve its customers with quality merchandise at the
lowest price will allow it to stay profitable and maintain a significant part of
its market share.
The Company will open another supermarket, its eighteenth, in April 1996,
and is enlarging an existing store, the completion of which is scheduled for the
third quarter of 1996. The Company is also actively seeking more sites for
possible openings of new stores in late 1996.
WHOLESALE SEGMENT
Although 1995 sales of $92,961,000 were basically unchanged from 1994 sales
of $92,802,000 gross profit increased to 8.9% from 8.1% in 1994. Income from
operations increased 24.1% to $1,108,000 from $893,000 in 1994.
The wholesale division continued to have competition in its market area in
1995 compared with 1994. The increase in gross profits resulted from the
continuing consolidation in the market place. The wholesale division is striving
to expand its customer base as smaller competitors cease operations. Through
March 3, 1996, wholesale sales were 15.5% higher than the comparable period in
1995.
GENERAL
Both the retail and wholesale segments continue to improve their operating
efficiencies through automation. In 1996, the Company is committed to roll-out
an integrated data and voice network connecting its main office and distribution
centers with all of its stores. Retail operations planned on the network include
installation of wireless hand terminals. Receiving, inventory and computer
assisted ordering ("CAO") will be implemented via these hand-held terminals.
Shelf tags and signs will be produced at store level. The Company will analyze
and control voice passage by centralizing its voice network. The Company has
also purchased and installed an Electronic Data Interchange ("EDI") application
to enhance communication with its trading partners. EDI applications planned
include purchasing, shipping and receiving functions. Other projects scheduled
include the use of hand-held terminals for wireless receiving and shipping in
the Company's wholesale distribution centers.
Both the wholesale and retail divisions have been re-engineering their
operations to improve labor efficiencies and reduce overhead costs. Many of the
efficiency plans went into effect during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal
1994 and continued into the first and second quarters of 1995. The Company did
not increase its "back office" support staff with the opening of the three new
retail outlets in 1995.
INCOME TAXES
There was no material change in the effective tax rate for 1995 as compared
to 1994.
The deferred tax asset on the Company's Balance Sheet results from
temporary differences that accelerated the reporting of taxable income for
income tax purposes. These temporary differences will reverse themselves in
future periods and Management believes it will recover the entire amount. The
deferred tax liability is a result of temporary differences in reporting
depreciation expense for income tax and financial reporting purposes.
The Company's investment in low income housing credits reduced the
effective tax rate approximately 1.6% in 1995. This investment in low income
housing credits was made to offset the loss of the targeted jobs credit, which
expired at the end of 1994.
-11-
<PAGE>
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" ("SFAS No.121"). SFAS No.
121 requires, among other things, impairment loss of assets to be held and gains
or losses from assets that are expected to be disposed of be included as a
component of income from continuing operations before taxes on income. The
Company will adopt SFAS No.121 in fiscal 1996 and its implementation is not
expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No.123. "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS No.123"). SFAS No.123 encourages entities to adopt the fair
value method in place of the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No.25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No.25"), for all
arrangements under which employees receive shares of stock or other equity
instruments of the employer or the employer incurs liabilities to employees in
amounts based on the price of its stock. The Company does not anticipate
adopting the fair value method encouraged by SFAS No.123 and will continue to
account for such transactions in accordance with APB No. 25.
FISCAL 1994 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1993
For the year ended December 30, 1994, the Company achieved net income of
$4,773,000 or $.87 per share on net sales of $291,886,000 as compared to 1993
net income of $4,422,000 or $.81 per share, on net sales of $274,107,000.
Net sales increased 6.5% in 1994 compared to 1993, resulting from a full
year's operation of the four new stores that opened in 1993. Retail sales
expressed as a percentage of total sales increased to 68% in 1994 from 67% in
1993.
Gross profits for 1994 and 1993 were 23.5% and 22.8% respectively. The
retail segment contributed 89% of 1994 gross profit compared to 79% in the prior
year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of
sales increased to 19.6% in 1994 from 19.3% in the prior year. The selling,
general and administrative cost category includes payroll, bonuses and operating
costs. The ratio of such costs to retail sales is higher than is the ratio of
such costs to wholesale sales. The 1994 increase in retail sales, therefore
brings with it a corresponding increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses, which included an increase in bonuses to executive officers of
approximately $315,000.
RETAIL SEGMENT
Sales increased 7.7% in 1994, due to a full year's operation of the stores
that opened in 1993. Same store sales for 1994 decreased 8.5% from 1993 levels
due to increased competition at several locations. Gross profit for the retail
segment for 1994 was 30.7%. This amount represents a change in the
classification of gross profits arising from sales made by the Company's
warehouses to Company-owned supermarkets as retail gross profits. Had the
Company reclassified 1993 sales in the same manner as 1994 sales, the gross
profit for 1993 would have been 29%. The higher amount in 1994 is due to sales
of Western Beef brand products and purchasing efficiencies. Income from
operations for the retail segment increased 17.5% to $7,551,000 from $6,429,000
in 1993.
The retail division faced increased competition in 1994 compared with 1993
from major supermarket chains. Some of these chains have reported that they have
saturated the suburban market place and were looking to the inner cities as an
untapped source of growth. Several of the Company's stores were impacted by
this new competition; however, the Company's ability to serve its customers
with quality merchandise at the lowest price allowed it to stay profitable
and maintain a significant portion of its market share.
-12-
<PAGE>
WHOLESALE SEGMENT
Sales were up 4% principally due to the acquisition of the business of a
former customer in July 1994, with a resultant increase in sales of $200,000 per
month. Gross profits increased in 1994 to 8.1% from 7.9% in 1993. Income from
operations increased 30.6% to $893,000 from $684,000 in 1993.
The wholesale division continued to have competition in its market area in
1994 as compared with 1993. The trend continued toward consolidation in the
region and many of its smaller competitors found it difficult to remain in
business. As a result, gross profits have been rising along with increases in
sales.
GENERAL
Interest expense increased due to the new equipment loan, the proceeds of
which were used to build and equip the new retail outlets.
INCOME TAXES
There was no material change in the effective tax rate for 1994, as
compared with 1993.
The deferred income tax asset results from temporary differences that
accelerated the reporting of taxable income for income tax purposes. These
temporary differences will reverse themselves in future periods and Management
believes it will recover the entire amount.
The Company benefited from the Federal Targeted Jobs Credit Program for
several years, including 1994. This program expired at the end of 1994.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash flow from operations was $7,417,000 for the year ended December
29, 1995. Utilizing this cash flow and monies borrowed in 1994 and 1995, the
Company spent $9,451,000 in 1995, predominately on capital improvements and
equipment for the three new stores, remodeling an existing retail unit and
upgrading the retail stores' scanning systems. The Company also repaid a
long-term debt of $1,931,000 in 1995.
In December 1995, the Company refinanced certain equipment purchased in
1995 costing approximately $1,000,000. These funds, along with an additional
$1,000,000 borrowed in January 1996, are being used to renovate the new
Manhattan supermarket, which is expected to open in April 1996, and to enlarge
an existing supermarket, the completion of which is expected in the third
quarter of 1996.
The Company has available from its bank a $3,000,000 working capital line
of credit which expires in July, 1996. At December 29, 1996, the Company
utilized approximately $361,000 for letters of credit to collateralize insurance
programs. The remaining balance of approximately $2,639,000 is available for use
by the Company. The Company also has several financial institutions, one of
which has issued a $3,000,000 credit facility, who would be available to finance
new store equipment, usually over a five year period.
The Company presently owns or leases transportation equipment for
distribution to its retail outlets and delivery to its wholesale customers. In
1995 the Company overhauled a significant portion of its transportation
equipment by entering into 7 and 10 year leasing arrangements. The impact of the
new fleet is to increase costs by approximately $200,000 per year.
-13-
<PAGE>
In 1996, the Company plans to utilize most of its available cash flow to
fund capital expenditures for renovating existing stores and for opening new
retail outlets. The available cash flow from the wholesale segment will be used
to expand its customer base which will result in higher levels of inventory and
accounts receivable. There are no restrictions on the transfer of assets between
segments and the Company intends to let each segment develop its own growth.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See ITEM 14, EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, and REPORTS on
FORM 8K.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
All items under this section are incorporated by reference to the Company's
proxy statement that will be filed no later than 120 days after the Company's
fiscal year-end.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8K
The following documents are being filed as a part of this report:
(a) 1. Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedule
All other schedules are omitted since the required information is either
not required or not present.
3. Exhibits
(3)(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended
(1)
(b) Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company, dated January 13, 1993
(3)
(c) By-Laws of the Company (2)
(10)(a) Agreement of Combination (2)
(b) Agreement of Merger (1)
(c) Certificate of Merger (1)
(21) Subsidiaries
(23) Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
(27) Financial Data Schedule
---------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K Current
Report filed November 13, 1992 (the "8-K").
(2) Incorporated by reference to Form S-4 File No. 33-44494
(3) Filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
Fiscal Year 1992
(b) No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter of the
fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.
(c) See Item 14(a)3, above
(d) Not applicable
-14-
<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.
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
By:/s/Peter Castellana, Jr., President
--------------------------------------
Peter Castellana, Jr., President
Date: March 28, 1996
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTRANT AND
IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATE INDICATED.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/Peter Castellana, Jr. Principal Executive March 28, 1996
- ------------------------ Officer and Director
Peter Castellana, Jr.
/s/Robert C. Ludlow Principal Financial March 28, 1996
- ------------------------ and Accounting Officer
Robert C. Ludlow
/s/Frank Castellana Chairman of the Board March 28, 1996
- ------------------------
Frank Castellana
/s/Joseph Castellana Vice-Chairman of the March 28, 1996
- ------------------------ Board
Joseph Castellana
/s/Stephen R. Bokser Director March 28, 1996
- ------------------------
Stephen R. Bokser
/s/Arnold B. Becker Director March 28, 1996
- ------------------------
Arnold B. Becker
/s/Daniel M. Healy Director March 28, 1996
- ------------------------
Daniel M. Healy
-15-
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 1995, DECEMBER 30, 1994
AND DECEMBER 31, 1993
F-1
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS F-3 - F-4
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Balance sheets F-5
Statements of income F-6
Statements of shareholders' equity F-7
Statements of cash flows F-8 - F-9
Notes to consolidated financial statements F-10 - F-26
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS F-27
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA:
Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts F-28
Supplementary financial data, other than listed above, has been omitted because
it is not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated
financial statements or notes thereto.
F-2
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Directors
Western Beef, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Western Beef,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 29, 1995 and December 30, 1994, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows
for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated 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 audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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 Western Beef, Inc.
and Subsidiaries as of December 29, 1995 and December 30, 1994, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
BDO Seidman, LLP
New York, New York
February 29, 1996
F-3
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders and Directors
Western Beef, Inc. and subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity, and cash flows of Western Beef, Inc. for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1993. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and
cash flows for Western Beef Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1993, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule on page F-28
is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and is not a required part of the basic consolidated financial
statements. This schedule for the year ended December 31, 1993, has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic
consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state, in all
material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the consolidated basic financial statements taken as a whole.
Borek, Stockel & Marden
Certified Public Accounts, P.C
Port Chester, New York
March 16, 1994
F-4
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,431 $ 4,311
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $326 and $142 8,754 6,907
Inventories 15,959 13,339
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,020 3,104
Deferred income taxes 702 907
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 29,866 28,568
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 31,733 25,276
OTHER ASSETS 1,714 887
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$63,313 $54,731
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,997 $ 1,563
Current portion of obligations under capital leases 193 101
Accounts payable 13,134 12,597
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,190 1,482
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 18,514 15,743
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES PAYABLE 1,249 538
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION 6,280 5,779
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES, NET OF CURRENT PORTION 1,411 1,445
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 27,454 23,505
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES 8 AND 9)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.05 par value - shares authorized 2,000; none issued - -
Common stock, $.05 par value - shares authorized 15,000; issued and outstanding 5,463 273 273
Capital in excess of par value 11,379 11,516
Retained earnings 24,371 19,437
Deferred compensation (164) -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 35,859 31,226
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$63,313 $54,731
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-5
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 1995 December 30, 1994 December 31, 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES $301,387 $291,886 $274,107
COST OF SALES 228,923 223,382 211,583
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS PROFIT ON SALES 72,464 68,504 62,524
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Rent expense - affiliates 2,772 2,783 2,383
Selling, general and administrative expenses 60,803 57,277 53,028
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 63,575 60,060 55,411
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 8,889 8,444 7,113
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Rental income, net of expenses 681 592 414
Interest income 142 92 95
Other income 133 278 729
Interest expense (775) (708) (417)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets (19) - (41)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME 162 254 780
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 9,051 8,698 7,893
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 4,117 3,925 3,471
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 4,934 $ 4,773 $ 4,422
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE $ .90 $ .87 $ .81
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES AND
EQUIVALENTS OUTSTANDING 5,466 5,463 5,463
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-6
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common stock Capital in
---------------------------- excess of Retained Deferred
Shares Amount par value earnings compensation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1994 5,463 $273 $11,516 $10,528 $ -
Net income for 1993 - - - 4,422 -
Other - - - (286) -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993 5,463 273 11,516 14,664 -
Net income for 1994 - - - 4,773 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 30, 1994 5,463 273 11,516 19,437 -
Net income for 1995 - - - 4,934 -
Other - - (305) - -
Granting of below-market options - - 168 - (168)
Amortization of deferred
compensation - - - - 4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 29, 1995 5,463 $273 $11,379 $24,371 $(164)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-7
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, December 30, December 31,
YEAR ENDED 1995 1994 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $4,934 $4,773 $4,422
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,747 2,641 2,289
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 539 419 474
Deferred income taxes 916 785 -
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 19 - 41
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable (2,386) (652) 411
Inventories (2,620) (1,348) (1,534)
Prepaid income taxes - - (777)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 780 (1,166) (504)
Other assets 240 172 (315)
(Decrease) increase in liabilities:
Accounts payable 537 (149) 4,054
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,711 (404) (690)
Income taxes payable - - (513)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES 7,417 5,071 7,358
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (9,304) (3,229) (11,580)
Investment in low-income housing credits (1,067) - -
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 228 - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (10,143) (3,229) (11,580)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-8
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(CONTINUED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
YEAR ENDED 1993 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net borrowings (repayments) under line of credit
agreement $ - $ (750) $ 150
Proceeds on issuance of long-term debt 2,777 3,355 5,511
Payments on long-term debt and capital leases (1,931) (1,165) (779)
Advances to affiliates and shareholders - (51) (372)
Repurchase of stock options - - (286)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING
ACTIVITIES 846 1,389 4,224
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS (1,880) 3,231 2
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 4,311 1,080 1,078
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $2,431 $4,311 $1,080
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR FOR:
Interest $ 775 $ 708 $ 417
Income taxes 2,741 3,442 4,760
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITY:
In 1995, the Company incurred a capital lease
obligation of $147,000.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
F-9
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. SUMMARY OF DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Western
Beef,Inc. (the "Company") operates high-volume,
warehouse-type, retail food stores and a wholesale
meat and poultry business. The retail stores serve
the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and the
wholesale business operates principally in the New
York, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania
markets.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company operates seventeen retail food stores,
where revenue is recorded at the time the sale is
made. (During 1994 and 1993, the Company operated
fourteen retail stores.)
The Company also sells poultry, beef, pork and
provisions through its wholesale operations to
supermarket chains, retailers and other
distributors. Revenue from the sale of these
products are recorded at the time the products are
shipped.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
FISCAL YEAR
The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year, with
the year ending on the Friday closest to
December 31. The fiscal years ended December 29,
1995, December 30, 1994 and December 31, 1993 are
referred to as 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively,
throughout the financial statements. All years
presented include 52 weeks.
F-10
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVENTORIES
Inventories, consisting of meats, poultry and
other food products held for resale, are stated at
the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or
market.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at
cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed
on the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets. The building under
capital lease and leasehold improvements are being
amortized over their useful lives. Repairs and
maintenance are charged to operations. Renewals
and improvements are capitalized. At the time
property, plant and equipment are retired or
otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated
depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and
any gain or loss is reflected in operations.
INCOME TAXES
The Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting
for Income Taxes", during the year ended December
31, 1993. The cumulative effect of adopting
SFAS 109 on prior years' retained earnings was not
significant. Additionally, the effect of adopting
SFAS 109 on net income for the year ended December
31, 1993 was not significant.
Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary
differences between the bases of assets and
liabilities for financial statement and income tax
purposes. The deferred income taxes represent the
future tax return consequences of those
differences which will either be taxable or
deductible when the assets and liabilities are
recovered or settled.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Earnings per common share are computed on the
basis of the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding during the year and the
dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock
options.
F-11
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt
instruments with an original maturity of three
months or less. Cash equivalents consist primarily
of money market accounts.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially expose the
Company to concentrations of credit risk consist
primarily of cash and trade accounts receivable.
The Company maintains some of its cash balances in
accounts which exceed federally insured limits. It
has not experienced any losses to date resulting
from this policy.
The Company sells primarily to retail customers
and wholesale food businesses, located in the New
York metropolitan area. Although the Company is
directly affected by the well-being of the food
industry, management does not believe significant
credit risk exists.
STORE OPENING COSTS
All costs associated with the opening of new
stores are expensed as incurred.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires the Company 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>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed of" ("SFAS No. 121"). SFAS No. 121
requires, among other things, impairment loss of
assets to be held and gains or losses from assets
that are expected to be disposed of be included as
a component of income from continuing operations
before taxes on income. The Company will adopt
SFAS No. 121 in fiscal 1996 and its implementation
is not expected to have a material effect on the
consolidated financial statements.
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board Issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"). SFAS
No. 123 encourages entities to adopt the fair
value method in place of the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB
No. 25"), for all arrangements under which
employees receive shares of stock or other equity
instruments of the employer or the employer incurs
liabilities to employees in amounts based on the
price of its stock. The Company does not
anticipate adopting the fair value method
encouraged by SFAS No. 123 and will continue to
account for such transactions in accordance with
APB No. 25.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications were made to the prior
year amounts to conform to the current year's
presentation.
F-13
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND Property, plant and equipment consist of the
EQUIPMENT following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land $ 1,953 $ 1,426
Buildings 1,430 1,430
Improvements 22,439 19,017
Machinery and equipment 14,326 9,126
Property and plant under capital leases (Note 8) 2,747 2,600
Transportation equipment 944 2,755
Furniture and fixtures 1,960 3,359
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45,799 39,713
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization 14,066 14,437
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net property, plant and equipment $31,733 $25,276
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3. NOTES PAYABLE - During 1994, the Company renewed its agreement for
BANK a credit facility that permits borrowings of up to
$3,000,000, expiring July 31, 1996. The facility
is available for working capital purposes and
standby letters of credit and is collateralized by
the Company's accounts receivable and inventory.
Interest on borrowings is payable at the rate of
3/4% over the bank's prime rate. Maximum monthly
borrowings totaled $390,796 in 1995 and $750,000
in 1994. The interest rate on debt outstanding
during 1995 was 9.77% and during 1994 was 7%. The
credit agreement requires any borrowings to be
repaid over a maximum of five years. As of
December 30, 1995, $360,677 was outstanding under
the line of credit agreement for standby letters
of credit. There is a compensating cash balance of
$500,000 on any amounts outstanding under the
credit agreement.
F-14
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, DECEMBER 30,
1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Installment notes payable, due in aggregate
monthly installments of $200 including interest
ranging from 6.7% to 10.9%, due at various times
through 2001, collateralized by accounts receivable,
inventory or equipment $7,179 $6,424
Installment notes payable, due in aggregate monthly
installments of $19 including interest ranging from
7.5% to 9.0%, due at various times through June 2005,
collateralized by land 1,098 918
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8,277 7,342
Less: Current maturities 1,997 1,563
$6,280 $5,779
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
As of December 29, 1995, long-term debt matures as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1996 $1,997
1997 2,167
1998 1,798
1999 1,194
2000 624
Thereafter 497
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$8,277
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
At December 29, 1995, land, property and equipment
with a net book value of $9,875 was pledged as
collateral for the debt.
F-15
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. INCOME TAXES The income tax rate differed from the statutory
Federal income tax rate as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory Federal income tax rate 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
State and local income taxes, net
of Federal income tax benefit 13.1 13.0 13.0
Utilization of low income housing tax credits (1) (1.6) - -
Other tax credits - (2.1) (1.2)
Other - .2 (1.8)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective tax rate 45.5% 45.1% 44.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Company's effective tax rate for the year
ended December 29, 1995 was reduced by 1.6%
as a result of the utilization of low income
housing tax credits of approximately
$148,000. The Company has qualified low
income housing tax credits of $1,855,000
which are available to reduce future regular
Federal income taxes for the years ending
1996 through 2005.
Provision for income taxes consists of the
following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal:
Current $1,474 $1,809 $2,189
Deferred 515 393 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,989 2,202 2,189
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State and local:
Current 1,727 1,402 1,282
Deferred 401 321 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,128 1,723 1,282
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4,117 $3,925 $3,471
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a summary of the significant
components of the Company's deferred tax assets
and liabilities (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Capitalized costs for income tax purposes $ 550 $ 840
Accounts receivable allowance 152 67
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets $ 702 $ 907
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in low income housing credit $ 51 $ -
Depreciation and amortization (1,300) (538)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities $(1,249) $(538)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
6. INVESTMENT TAX Included in other assets are investments of
CREDITS approximately $1,067,000 which the Company made in
two limited partnerships during the year.
These investments have generated low income
housing tax credits to be used to offset future
Federal income taxes. These investments are
accounted for under the effective yield method
since the credits are guaranteed, the projected
yield from the credits is positive and the Company
has limited liability under the investment.
F-17
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. STOCK OPTIONS The Company had an incentive program under which
options and other incentives covering 100,000
shares of common stock may be granted to key
employees, including officers, at an exercise
price at no less than 100% of the fair market
value of the Company's common stock on the date of
the grant (110% of fair market value in the case
of grantees who own 10% or more of outstanding
stock of the Company). Unless otherwise provided
in the specific option grant, the options
terminate on the tenth anniversary of their
effective date. This plan terminated in 1995.
Option activity under this plan is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Exercise Aggregate
Options Price Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at January 1, 1993 60,500 $4.1322 $250,000
Cancelled (57,475) (4.1322) (237,500)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at
December 31, 1993 and
December 30, 1994 3,025 4.1322 12,500
Cancelled 3,025 - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at
December 29, 1995 - N/A N/A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During 1995, the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan
was adopted. Under the Plan, options to purchase
an aggregate of not more than 1,300,000 shares of
common stock may be granted from time to time to
key employees, officers, directors, advisors and
independent consultants to the Company or to any
of its subsidiaries. The total number of shares of
common stock for which options may be granted
under the plan shall not exceed 2% of the number
of shares issued as of January 1 of each year. The
Plan is administered by the Board of Directors,
which has empowered a committee of directors to
administer the Plan. The per share exercise price
for incentive stock options ("ISO's") will not be
less than 100% of the fair market value of a share
of the common stock on the date the option is
granted (ISO's may not be granted if the optionee
owns more than 10% of the Company), and for
nonqualified stock options ("NQSO's") will not be
less than 25% of the fair market value on the date
the option is granted. Options may be granted for
a term to be determined by the committee of not
more than ten years from the date of grant.
During 1995, the Company adopted the 1995
Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan. Under the
Plan, options to purchase an aggregate of not more
than 200,000 shares of common stock may be granted
from time to time to directors who are neither
employees nor officers of the Company. The Plan is
administered by the Board of Directors, which has
empowered a committee of directors to administer
the Plan. Each year on the date of the Company's
annual meeting of stockholders, each nonemployee
director is automatically granted an option to
purchase 5,000 shares of common stock. The per
share exercise price of each option shall be the
fair market value as of the date such option is
granted. Each option shall vest within one year
from the date granted and will expire, at a term
determined by the committee, not to exceed ten
years.
F-19
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table contains information on the 1995
Stock Option Plan and the 1995 Nonemployee Director
Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 29, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exercise price Weighted
Option shares range per share average price
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 - $ - $ -
Granted 66,949 $1.50 to $6.00 $3.49
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 29, 1995 66,949 $1.50 to $6.00 $3.49
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
None of these options were exercisable at December 29,
1995 and 1,433,051 shares were available for future
grants.
Certain options were granted at below-market exercise
prices. Related compensation, totaling $168,000, was
deferred and is being amortized over five years.
8. COMMITMENTS CAPITAL LEASES
The Company leases land, building and equipment used in
its wholesale operations under lease agreements which
is accounted for as capital leases. One agreement
contains a purchase option, which gives the Company the
right to purchase the land and building at any time
during the 25-year lease term, which expires in 2004.
The purchase price of the property declines ratably
over the term of the lease. The agreement also provides
for title of the property to automatically transfer to
the Company at the end of the lease term.
F-20
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is an analysis of leased property and
equipment under capital leases by major classification
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 29, December 30,
1995 1994
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land $650 $650
Building 1,950 1,950
Equipment 147 -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,747 2,600
Less: Accumulated amortization 1,962 1,950
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$785 $650
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Future minimum lease payments under capital lease
obligations, together with the present value of the net
minimum lease payments at December 29, 1995, were as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1996 $336
1997 309
1998 271
1999 251
2000 251
Thereafter 906
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,324
Less: Amounts representing interest 720
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present value of net minimum lease payments 1,604
Less: Current portion 193
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,411
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-21
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING LEASES
In addition to the above capitalized leases, the
Company also has commitments for various noncancellable
operating leases which expire at various dates through
December 2007 (see Note 11). Some of the leases have
renewal options and most contain provisions for passing
through incremental costs. A few leases have purchase
options (see below). Future minimum rental payments
required under noncancellable operating leases at
December 29, 1995 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <C>
1996 $4,635
1997 3,948
1998 3,933
1999 4,027
2000 3,577
Thereafter 15,179
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total future minimum rentals $35,299
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The following schedule shows the composition of total
rent expense for all operating leases (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1995 $4,195
1994 3,979
1993 3,081
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company has entered into sublease agreements for
some sections of the unoccupied space located at
various facilities. Rental income from these subleases
in 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $681,000, $592,000 and
$504,000, respectively. The Company retains the right
to sublease the additional unoccupied space. The
subleases currently in effect provide for future rental
income as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1996 $ 372
1997 299
1998 295
1999 283
2000 282
Thereafter 420
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,951
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
CAPITAL ADDITIONS
The Company plans to incur capital costs aggregating
approximately $3.4 million in connection with the
planned opening of one new retail store and one remodel
of an existing retail store in the first quarter of
1996. The Company has secured a lease line of credit
sufficient to fund the projects. As of December 29,
1995, the Company had incurred $902,000 in connection
with these capital costs.
The Company has exercised purchase options to acquire
the property for two of its operating leases at a total
cost of $3,000,000. The Company expects to finance this
amount in 1996.
9. CONTINGENCIES The Company has various outstanding litigation matters
which it considers to be in the ordinary course of
business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of
these litigation matters will not materially, adversely
affect the Company's financial position.
F-23
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In April 1991 in New York Supreme Court, Putnam County,
an action was commenced against the Company to prevent
a scheduled foreclosure of certain collateral held by
the Company as security for its loan to one of the
plaintiffs in the original principal amount of $85,000
of which approximately $65,000 was outstanding.
Thereafter, in a complaint served in March 1992,
plaintiffs interposed three causes of action on behalf
of themselves and a previously unnamed plaintiff, C.B.
Foods, Inc., which was owned by the plaintiffs and was
a customer of the Company's wholesale business, seeking
(1) a declaration that the loan had been repaid; (2)
compensatory damages of $30,000,000 and exemplary
damages of $10,000,000 for fraud allegedly committed by
the Company; and (3) compensatory damages of $2,000,000
and exemplary damages of $10,000,000 for abuse of
process allegedly committed by the Company. In its
answer, the Company denied liability and all material
allegations of the complaint. Following a motion by the
Company, the court ordered plaintiffs' third cause of
action for abuse of process dismissed for failure to
state a claim and ordered all claims of C.B. Foods,
Inc. struck from the complaint on the ground that it
was not a party to the action. Plaintiffs have appealed
the court's order.
By order made on the record on January 19, 1994, the
court dismissed the complaint for plaintiffs'
disobedience of prior court orders and their failure to
prosecute their claims. Plaintiffs have moved to modify
the January 19, 1994 order. If they are not successful,
an appeal is anticipated, which the Company would
vigorously defend. The Company believes the resolution
of this matter will not adversely affect its financial
position.
10. PROFIT SHARING The Company has a profit sharing plan, which covers all
PLANS eligible employees. The plan allows for salary deferral
arrangements under the provisions of Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code. The Company does not
contribute to this plan.
Additionally, the Company has a noncontributory profit
sharing plan for its employees. Funding requirements
for the plan are nonobligatory. For 1995, 1994 and
1993, the noncontributory profit sharing plan expense
was $602,000, $547,000 and $564,000, respectively.
F-24
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. RELATED PARTY At December 29, 1995 and December 30, 1994, the Company
TRANSACTIONS had advances due from the principal shareholders and
affiliated entities of approximately $12,000 and
$418,000, respectively (included in prepaid expenses
and other current assets). These advances are unsecured
and noninterest bearing. Subsequent to year-end, the
$12,000 balance was repaid.
The Company leases land, various retail food stores and
warehouse storage and office space, from affiliates of
the principal shareholders under various leases which
expire through December 2007. Rent expense relating to
these leases was $2,772,000 for 1995, $2,783,000 for
1994 and $2,383,000 for 1993 (see Note 8). During the
years ended December 29, 1995 and 1994, the Company
made capital expenditures of approximately $374,000 and
$482,000 at leaseholds owned by affiliates of the
principal shareholders. At December 29, 1995 and 1994,
the Company had prepaid rent amounts to affiliates of
$-0- and $205,000, respectively.
During 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company purchased
various food products in the amounts of $21,954,000,
$20,206,000 and $15,384,000, respectively, from a
company which has an officer who is a director in the
Company. As of December 29, 1995 and December 30, 1994,
the Company had trade payables of $1,117,000 and
$507,000, respectively, due to the affiliate.
The Company had sales to affiliates controlled by the
Company's principal shareholders for 1995, 1994 and
1993 of $528,000, $4,333,000 and $3,713,000,
respectively. In 1995, the Company acquired one of
these affiliates.
In order to reduce conflicts of interests of the
principal shareholders, independent appraisals were
obtained of the rentals under all then existing Company
leases in which its principal shareholders had an
interest (other than the Company's lease of its Elmont
retail food store, which was fixed on a formula basis).
In the aggregate, such rentals do not exceed fair
market value as established by independent appraisal.
In addition, management and the principal shareholders
agreed that any future leases from such affiliates
would be based on fair market value as established by
independent appraisal.
F-25
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company does its banking at a bank which has an
officer who is a member of the Company's Board of
Directors. The credit facility described in Note 3 is
with the same bank. The Company believes all bank terms
and fees are at customary rates.
12. SEGMENTS OF The Company operates in two industry segments. The
BUSINESS wholesale segment primarily sells poultry, beef, pork
and provisions. The retail segment sells various meat
and grocery items to the general public.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales:
Retail $208,426 $199,084 $184,889
Wholesale 92,961 92,802 89,218
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$301,387 $291,886 $274,107
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from operations:
Retail $7,781 $7,551 $6,429
Wholesale 1,108 893 684
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$8,889 $8,444 $7,113
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identifiable assets:
Retail $49,124 $41,072 $33,934
Wholesale 14,189 13,121 14,596
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$63,313 $54,193 $48,530
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and
amortization:
Retail $2,541 $2,401 $1,810
Wholesale 206 240 479
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$2,747 $2,641 $2,289
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital expenditures:
Retail $9,027 $2,801 $11,340
Wholesale 424 428 240
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$9,451 $3,229 $11,580
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
F-26
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL DATA
FURNISHED PURSUANT TO THE
REQUIREMENTS OF FORM 10-K
=============================================================================
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Directors
Western Beef, Inc.
The audit referred to in our report dated February 29, 1996 relating to the
consolidated financial statements of Western Beef, Inc. and Subsidiaries, which
is referred to in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, included the audits of the
accompanying financial statement schedule for the years ended December 29, 1995
and December 30, 1994. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this
financial statement schedule based upon our audits.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein for the years ended
December 29, 1995 and December 30, 1994.
BDO Seidman, LLP
New York, New York
February 29, 1996
F-27
<PAGE>
WESTERN BEEF, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
==============================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additions
---------------------------------------
(1) (2)
Balance at Charged to cost Charged to other Balance at end
Description beginning of year and expenses accounts Deductions * of year
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 29, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $142 $539 $- $(355) $326
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 30, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $450 $419 $- $(727) $142
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31, 1993:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $444 $474 $- $(468) $450
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- -----------
* Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
F-28
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
(3)(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended
(1)
(b) Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company, dated January 13, 1993
(3)
(c) By-Laws of the Company (2)
(10)(a) Agreement of Combination (2)
(b) Agreement of Merger (1)
(c) Certificate of Merger (1)
(21) Subsidiaries
(23) Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP
(27) Financial Data Schedule
---------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K Current
Report filed November 13, 1992 (the "8-K").
(2) Incorporated by reference to Form S-4 File No. 33-44494
(3) Filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
Fiscal Year 1992
(b) No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter of the
fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.
(c) See Item 14(a)3, above
(d) Not applicable
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21
SUBSIDIARIES
1. GENERAL
Western Beef, Inc. conducts its retail and wholesale food business directly
and through 14 consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries and six consolidated
subsidiaries wholly-owned by Quarex Operating Company, Inc., a 100% subsidiary
of the registrant.
2. OTHER SUBSIDIARIES
Awesome Transportation, Inc.
East Central Meats, Inc.
Quarex New England, Inc.
Western Beef Advertising, Inc.
Western Beef, Administration, Inc. (Formerly known as Western Beef, Inc. (New
York Corporation)
W.B. Packing,, Inc.
Western Beef-West End Ave. Inc. (Formerly known as Western Beef-Atlantic
Ave.Inc.)
Sabrina Food Sales, Inc.
Food Warehouse, Inc.
NOTE:
All corporations listed above were incorporated in New York except for
Quarex-New England, Inc. which was incorporated in Massachusetts.
<PAGE>
SUBSIDIARIES OF WESTERN BEEF, INC.
WESTERN BEEF -METROPOLITAN AVENUE, INC.
-MORRIS AVENUE, INC.
-FOREST AVENUE, INC.
-14TH STREET, INC.
W.B. PRODUCE -METROPOLITAN AVENUE, INC.
WESTERN BEEF -MERRICK BLVD., INC.
-FORT GREENE PLACE, INC.
-CANARSIE, INC.
W.B. PRODUCE -CANARSIE, INC.
WESTERN BEEF -173RD STREET, INC.
-ROSEDALE AVENUE, INC.
-STEINWAY STREET, INC.
-EMPIRE BLVD., INC.
-MINEOLA, INC.
SUBSIDIARIES OF QUAREX OPERATING COMPANY, INC.
WESTERN BEEF -COLLEGE POINT BLVD. , INC.(FORMERLY KNOWN AS RANBAR PACKING,
INC.)
WESTERN BEEF -EAST ORANGE, N. J., INC.
-EAST NEW YORK, INC.
-PARK AVENUE, INC.
-ELMONT, INC. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS QUAREX-ELMONT, INC.)
WESTERN BEEF SUPERMARKET, INC.
NOTE:
All corporations listed above were incorporated in New York except for
Western Beef-East Orange, N.J., Inc., which was incorporated in New Jersey.
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Western Beef, Inc.
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the respective
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-80379) of our report dated
February 29, 1996, relating to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Western Beef, Inc. appearing in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 1995.
BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
New York, New York
March 22, 1996
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE WESTERN
BEEF, INC. ANNUAL REPORT OF FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 29, 1995 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-29-1995
<PERIOD-START> DEC-31-1994
<PERIOD-END> DEC-29-1995
<CASH> 2431
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 9080
<ALLOWANCES> 326
<INVENTORY> 15959
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 29866
<PP&E> 45799
<DEPRECIATION> 14066
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 63313
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 18514
<BONDS> 7691
273
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 35586
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 63313
<SALES> 301387
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</TABLE>
