change in an estimate, both of which are described in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table presents our available sources of liquidity as of September 29, 2007.
| | | Facility | | | Amount | | | | |
Source of Liquidity | | | Amount | | | Outstanding | | | Available | |
(in millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | 66.2 | |
Investments in available-for-sale securities | | | -- | | | -- | | | 8.2 | |
Debt facilities: | | | | | | | | | | |
Revolving credit facilities | | | 350.0 | | | 26.3 | | | 238.8 | (a) |
Revolving/term facility | | | 550.0 | | | -- | | | 550.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Receivables purchase agreement | | | 300.0 | | | 300.0 | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | At September 29, 2007, the Company had $84.9 million in letters of credit outstanding relating to normal business transactions. |
| |
In September 2006, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolver/term credit agreement with a maturity date of September 21, 2016. At September 29, 2007 this revolver/term credit agreement provides for an aggregate commitment of $1.172 billion consisting of i) a $550 million revolving/term loan commitment and ii) $622.4 million in various term loans. At September 29, 2007, the Company had nothing outstanding under the revolver and $622.4 million outstanding in various term loans. The total credit facility is presently secured by certain fixed assets with a current availability of $550.0 million. From time to time, if certain conditions are satisfied, the Company has the right to increase the revolving/term loan commitment and term loan commitment to a total maximum amount of $1.0 billion and $750 million, respectively. Borrowings under the revolving/term loan commitment are available on a revolving basis until September 21, 2011 at which time the outstanding borrowings will be converted to a term loan maturing on September 21, 2016. The fixed rate term loans bear interest at rates ranging from 6.84% to 7.06%. The voluntary converted loans bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus 1.0% - 2.0% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. The floating rate term loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%-1.75% based on the ratio of the Company’s debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. The revolving/term loans provide for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 1.0%-2.0% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. Revolving/term loans converted to term loans on September 21, 2011 will be payable in equal quarterly principal payments of 10% per annum of the original principal amount beginning the calendar quarter following the conversion date with the remaining balance due on the maturity date. Of the term loans outstanding, $208.7 million must be repaid in equal quarterly principal payments of 1% per annum of the original principal
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
amount, with the remaining balance due on the maturity date. All borrowings are subject to the availability of eligible collateral and no material adverse change provisions. Commitment fees charged on the unused balance of this facility range from 0.20% to 0.40% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. One-half of the outstanding obligations under the revolver/term credit agreement are guaranteed by Pilgrim Interests, Ltd., an entity related to our Senior Chairman, Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim.
On December 15, 2006, the Company borrowed $100 million at 6.84% under our revolver/term credit agreement and used substantially all of the funds to repay, in full, term loans payable to an insurance company under a note purchase agreement maturing in 2012 and 2013.
In January 2007, the Company borrowed (1) $780 million under our revolver/term credit agreement and (2) $450 million under our bridge loan agreement to fund the Gold Kist acquisition. On January 24, 2007, the Company closed on the sale of $400 million of 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) and $250 million of 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “Subordinated Notes”), sold at par. Interest is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2007. We may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes on or after May 1, 2011. We may redeem all or part of the Subordinated Notes on or after May 1, 2012. Before May 1, 2010, we also may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of each of the Senior Notes and the Subordinated Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Each of these optional redemptions is at a premium as described in the indentures under which the notes were issued. The proceeds from the sale of the notes, after underwriting discounts, were used to (1) retire the loans outstanding under our bridge loan agreement, (2) repurchase $77.5 million of the Company’s 9 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 at a premium of $7.4 million plus accrued interest of $1.3 million and (3) reduce outstanding revolving loans under our revolver/term credit agreement. Loss on early extinguishment of debt includes the $7.4 million premium along with unamortized loan costs of $7.1 million related to the retirement of these Notes.
On September 21, 2007, the Company redeemed all of its 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011 at a total cost of $307.5 million. To fund a portion of the aggregate redemption price, the Company sold $300 million of trade receivables under its Receivables Purchase Agreement. Loss on early extinguishment of debt includes the $9.5 million premium along with unamortized loan costs of $2.5 million related to the retirement of these Notes.
As of September 29, 2007, we had a $300.0 million commitment under a domestic revolving credit facility that provides for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 0.75-1.75% depending upon our total debt to capitalization ratio. From time to time, if certain conditions are satisfied, the Company has the right to increase the revolving commitment to a total maximum amount of $450 million. At September 29, 2007, $215.1 million was available for borrowing under the domestic revolving credit facility. Borrowings against this facility are subject to the availability of eligible collateral and no material adverse change provisions. The obligations under this facility are secured by domestic chicken inventories. Commitment fees charged on the unused balance of this facility range from 0.175% to 0.35% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. One-half of the outstanding obligations under the domestic revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Pilgrim Interests, Ltd., an entity related to our Senior Cairman, Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
On September 25, 2006, a subsidiary of the Company, Avícola Pilgrim’s Pride de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. (the “Borrower”), entered into a secured revolving credit agreement of up to $75 million with a final maturity date of September 25, 2011. In March 2007, the Borrower elected to reduce the commitment under this agreement to approximately $50 million. Outstanding amounts bear interest at rates ranging from the higher of the Prime Rate or Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%; LIBOR plus 1.25%-2.75%; or TIIE plus 1.05%-2.55% depending on the loan designation. Obligations under this agreement are secured by a security interest in and lien upon all capital stock and other equity interests of the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries. All the obligations of the Borrower are secured by unconditional guaranty by the Company. At September 29, 2007, $26.3 million was outstanding and approximately $23.7 million was available for borrowings. All borrowings are subject to no material adverse effect provisions.
We also maintain operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of assets at the end of the term of the lease. The terms of the lease maturities range from one to seven years. We estimate the maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is approximately $21.1 million; however, the actual amount would be offset by any recoverable amount based on the fair market value of the underlying leased assets. No liability has been recorded related to this contingency as the likelihood of payments under these guarantees is not considered to be probable and the fair value of the guarantees is immaterial. We historically have not experienced significant payments under similar residual guarantees.
At September 29, 2007, our working capital decreased to $379.1 million and our current ratio decreased to 1.42 to 1, compared with working capital of $528.8 million and a current ratio of 1.92 to 1 at September 30, 2006, primarily due to lower cash balances and receivables and higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by increased inventories.
Trade accounts and other receivables were $130.2 million at September 29, 2007, compared to $263.1 million at September 30, 2006. The $132.9 million, or 50.5%, decrease in trade accounts and other receivables was primarily due to the September 2007 sale of $300.0 million trade receivables under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, partially offset by receivables obtained from the Gold Kist acquisition.
Inventories were $961.9 million at September 29, 2007, compared to $585.9 million at September 30, 2006. The $376.0 million, or 64.2%, increase in inventories was primarily due to the Gold Kist acquisition and increased product costs in finished chicken products and live inventories as a result of higher feed ingredient costs.
Accounts payable increased $108.6 million, or 37.0%, to $402.3 million at September 29, 2007, compared to $293.7 million at September 30, 2006. The increase was primarily due to the Gold Kist acquisition and higher feed ingredient costs.
Accrued liabilities increased $227.2 million, or 83.3%, to $500.0 million compared to $272.8 million at September 30, 2006. This increase is due primarily to the Gold Kist acquisition.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $464.0 million and $30.4 million for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities for
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
fiscal 2007 when compared to fiscal 2006 was primarily due to increased net income and lower receivables.
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities were ($1.184) billion and $32.3 million for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Cash of $1.102 billion was used to acquire Gold Kist. Capital expenditures (excluding business acquisitions) of $172.3 million and $143.8 million for fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively, were primarily incurred to acquire and expand certain facilities, improve efficiencies, reduce costs and for the routine replacement of equipment. Cash was used to purchase investment securities of $125.0 million in fiscal 2007 and $318.3 million in fiscal 2006. Cash proceeds in fiscal 2007 from the sale or maturity of investment securities was $208.7 million. We anticipate spending approximately $290 million to $300 million in fiscal 2008 to improve efficiencies and for the routine replacement of equipment at our current operations. We expect to finance such expenditures with available cash and operating cash flows and existing revolving/term and revolving credit facilities.
Cash flows used in financing activities were $630.2 million and $38.8 million for the fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in cash provided by financing activities for fiscal 2007, when compared to fiscal 2006, was attributable to proceeds received from long-term debt, including proceeds of $1.23 billion borrowed to fund the Gold Kist acquisition.
We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as, based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities is immaterial.
Our loan agreements generally obligate us to reimburse the applicable lender for incremental increased costs due to a change in law that imposes (i) any reserve or special deposit requirement against assets of, deposits with or credit extended by such lender related to the loan, (ii) any tax, duty or other charge with respect to the loan (except standard income tax) or (iii) capital adequacy requirements. In addition, some of our loan agreements contain a withholding tax provision that requires us to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, generally if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law. These increased cost and withholding tax provisions continue for the entire term of the applicable transaction, and there is no limitation on the maximum additional amounts we could be obligated to pay under such provisions. Any failure to pay amounts due under such provisions generally would trigger an event of default, and, in a secured financing transaction, would entitle the lender to foreclose upon the collateral to realize the amount due.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
On June 29, 1999, the Camp County Industrial Development Corporation issued $25.0 million of variable-rate environmental facilities revenue bonds supported by letters of credit obtained by us. We may draw from these proceeds over the construction period for new sewage and solid waste disposal facilities at a poultry by-products plant to be built in Camp County, Texas. We are not required to borrow the full amount of the proceeds from these revenue bonds. All amounts borrowed from these funds will be due in 2029. The revenue bonds are supported
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
by letters of credit obtained by us under our revolving credit facilities which are secured by our domestic chicken inventories. The bonds will be recorded as debt of the Company if and when they are spent to fund construction.
In connection with the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated June 26, 1998, as amended, the Company sells, on a revolving basis, certain of its trade receivables (the “Pooled Receivables”) to a special purpose corporation wholly owned by the Company, which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest to third parties. As of September 29, 2007, $300.0 million in Pooled Receivables had been sold. During fiscal 2006 and 2005 there were no Pooled Receivables sold. The gross proceeds resulting from the sale are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Losses on these sales were immaterial.
Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations at September 29, 2007 were as follows (dollars in millions):
| | Payments Due By Period | |
Contractual Obligations | | Total | | | Less than 1 year | | | 1-3 years | | | 3-5 years | | | More than 5 years | |
Long-term debt(a) | | $ | 1,321.4 | | | $ | 2.9 | | | $ | 3.7 | | | $ | 29.3 | | | $ | 1,285.5 | |
Guarantee fees | | | 31.2 | | | | 3.6 | | | | 7.0 | | | | 7.0 | | | | 13.6 | |
Operating leases | | | 147.5 | | | | 46.8 | | | | 65.4 | | | | 30.3 | | | | 5.0 | |
Purchase obligations | | | 40.1 | | | | 40.1 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Total | | $ | 1,540.2 | | | $ | 93.4 | | | $ | 76.1 | | | $ | 66.6 | | | $ | 1,304.1 | |
(a) | Excludes $84.9 million in letters of credit outstanding related to normal business transactions. |
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
General. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, customer programs and incentives, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories, income taxes and product recall accounting. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized upon shipment and transfer of ownership of the product to the customer and is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Inventory. Live poultry inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and breeder hens at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or market. The costs associated with breeder hens are accumulated up to the production stage and amortized over their productive lives using the unit-of-production method. Finished poultry products, feed, eggs and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. We record valuations and adjustments for our inventory and for estimated obsolescence at or equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon known conditions affecting inventory obsolescence, including significantly aged products, discontinued product lines, or damaged or obsolete products. We allocate meat costs between our various finished poultry products based on a by-product costing technique that reduces the cost of the whole bird by estimated yields and amounts to be recovered for certain by-product parts. This primarily includes leg quarters, wings, tenders and offal, which are carried in inventory at the estimated recovery amounts, with the remaining amount being reflected as our breast meat cost. Generally, the Company performs an evaluation of whether any lower of cost or market adjustments are required at the segment level based on a number of factors, including: (i) pools of related inventory, (ii) product continuation or discontinuation, (iii) estimated market selling prices and (iv) expected distribution channels. If actual market conditions or other factors are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required.
Property, Plant and Equipment. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. The impairment charge is determined based upon the amount the net book value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. In making these determinations, the Company utilizes certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) future cash flows estimated to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, remaining length of service and estimated salvage values; (ii) estimated fair market value of the assets; and (iii) determinations with respect to the lowest level of cash flows relevant to the respective impairment test, generally groupings of related operational facilities.
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities. The Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to employment, environmental, product and other matters, and is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required, including legal defense costs, if any, for these contingencies is made when losses are determined to be probable and reasonably estimatible and after considerable analysis of each individual issue. These reserves may change in the future due to favorable or adverse judgments, changes in the
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Company’s assumptions, the effectiveness of strategies or other factors beyond the Company’s control.
Accrued Self Insurance. Insurance expense for casualty claims and employee-related health care benefits are estimated using historical experience and actuarial estimates. Stop-loss coverage is maintained with third party insurers to limit the Company’s total exposure. Certain categories of claim liabilities are actuarially determined. The assumptions used to arrive at periodic expenses are reviewed regularly by management. However, actual expenses could differ from these estimates and could result in adjustments to be recognized.
Purchase Price Accounting. The Company allocates the total purchase price in connection with acquisitions to assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values. For property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, for significant acquisitions, the Company has historically relied upon the use of third party valuation experts to assist in the estimation of fair values. Historically, the carrying value of acquired accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable have approximated their fair value as of the date of acquisition, though adjustments are made within purchase price accounting to the extent needed to record such assets and liabilities at fair value. With respect to accrued liabilities, the Company uses all available information to make its best estimate of the fair value of the acquired liabilities and, when necessary, may rely upon the use of third party actuarial experts to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, primarily self-insurance accruals.
Income Taxes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Taxes are provided for international subsidiaries based on the assumption that their earnings are indefinitely reinvested in foreign subsidiaries and as such deferred taxes are not provided for in U.S. income taxes that would be required in the event of distribution of these earnings. We also reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We review the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet, primarily operating loss carryforwards, based on both historical and anticipated earnings levels of the individual operations and provide a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that amounts will not be recovered.
The Company has reserves for taxes that may become payable in future years as a result of audits by tax authorities. Although the Company believes that the positions taken on previously filed tax returns are reasonable, it nevertheless has established tax reserves in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge the positions taken by the Company resulting in additional liabilities for tax and interest. The tax reserves are reviewed as circumstances warrant and adjusted as events occur that affect the Company’s potential liability for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, conclusion of tax audits, additional exposure based on current calculations, identification of new issues, release of administrative guidance, or rendering of a court decision affecting a particular tax issue.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The risk inherent in our market risk sensitive instruments and positions is primarily the potential loss arising from adverse changes in the price of feed ingredients, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates as discussed below. The Company does not believe its market risk related to its available-for-sale securities is material. The sensitivity analyses presented do not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor do they consider additional actions our management may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results may differ.
Feed Ingredients. We purchase certain commodities, primarily corn and soybean meal. As a result, our earnings are affected by changes in the price and availability of such feed ingredients. As market conditions dictate, we will from time to time fix future feed ingredient prices using various hedging techniques, including forward purchase agreements with suppliers and futures contracts. We do not use such financial instruments for trading purposes and are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical 10% increase in the weighted-average cost of our primary feed ingredients as of September 29, 2007. Based on our feed consumption during fiscal 2007, such an increase would have resulted in an increase to cost of sales of approximately $236.3 million. A 10% change in ending feed ingredients inventories at September 29, 2007 would be $5.0 million, excluding any potential impact on production costs of chicken and turkey inventory.
Foreign Currency. Our earnings are affected by foreign exchange rate fluctuations related to the Mexican peso net monetary position of our Mexico subsidiaries. We manage this exposure primarily by attempting to minimize our Mexican peso net monetary position, but from time to time, we have also considered executing hedges to help minimize this exposure. Such instruments, however, have historically not been economically feasible. We are also exposed to the effect of potential exchange rate fluctuations to the extent that amounts are repatriated from Mexico to the U.S. However, we currently anticipate that the future cash flows of our Mexico subsidiaries will be reinvested in our Mexico operations. In addition, the Mexican peso exchange rate can directly and indirectly impact our results of operations and financial position in several ways, including potential economic recession in Mexico resulting from a devalued peso. The impact on our financial position and results of operations resulting from a hypothetical change in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso cannot be reasonably estimated. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, representing the change in the U.S. dollar value of the net monetary assets of our Mexico subsidiaries denominated in Mexican pesos, was a loss of $ 1.4 million in fiscal 2007, a loss of $0.1 million in fiscal 2006, and a gain of $0.5 million in fiscal 2005. On September 29, 2007, the Mexican peso closed at 10.93 to 1 U.S. dollar, compared to 11.01 at September 30, 2006. No assurance can be given as to how future movements in the peso could affect our future earnings.
Interest Rates. Our earnings are also affected by changes in interest rates due to the impact those changes have on our variable-rate debt instruments. We had variable-rate debt instruments representing approximately 34.5% of our long-term debt at September 29, 2007. Holding other variables constant, including levels of indebtedness, a 25 basis points increase in interest rates would have increased our interest expense by $1.1 million for fiscal 2007. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our variable-rate long-term debt at September 29, 2007.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Market risk for fixed-rate long-term debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 25 basis points decrease in interest rates and amounts to approximately $3.4 million as of September 29, 2007, using discounted cash flow analysis.
Impact of Inflation. Due to low to moderate inflation in the U.S. and Mexico and our rapid inventory turnover rate, the results of operations have not been significantly affected by inflation during the past three-year period.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The consolidated financial statements together with the report of our independent registered public accounting firm and financial statement schedule are included on pages 86 through 118 of this report. Financial statement schedules other than those included herein have been omitted because the required information is contained in the consolidated financial statements or related notes, or such information is not applicable.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
As of September 29, 2007, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Senior Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Senior Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that information we are required to disclose in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Senior Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company substantially completed the integration of Gold Kist’s accounting processes into the legacy systems, policies and procedures of Pilgrim’s Pride.
In connection with the evaluation described above, the Company’s management, including the Senior Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, indentified no other change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2007and that has materially
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation’s (“PPC”) management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). PPC’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, PPC’s management assessed the design and operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2007 based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of theTreadway Commission.
Based on this assessment, management concluded that PPC’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 29, 2007. Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2007. That report is included herein.
/s/ Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim
Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim
Senior Chairman of the Board of Directors
/s/ O. B. Goolsby, Jr.
O. B. Goolsby, Jr.
President,
Chief Executive Officer
Director
/s/ Richard A. Cogdill
Richard A. Cogdill
Chief Financial Officer
Secretary and Treasurer
Director
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
We have audited Pilgrim's Pride Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Pilgrim's Pride Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation as of September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 29, 2007, of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, and our report dated November 13, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
November 13, 2007
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Not Applicable.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Certain information regarding our executive officers has been presented under “Executive Officers” included in Item 1. “Business,” above.
Reference is made to the section entitled “Election of Directors” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which section is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which section is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. The full text of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is published on our website, at www.pilgrimspride.com, under the “Investors-Corporate Governance” caption. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of this Code on our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.
See Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”
See Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”
| Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
See Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”
As of September 29, 2007, the Company did not have any compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance by the Company.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Additional information responsive to Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Security Ownership,” “Board of Directors Independence,” “Committees of the Board of Directors,” “Election of Directors,” “Report of the Compensation Committee,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Certain Transactions” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fee Information” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) | | Financial Statements |
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| (1) | The financial statements and schedules listed in the index to financial statements and schedules on page 3 of this report are filed as part of this report. |
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| (2) | All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted. |
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| (3) | The financial statements schedule entitled “Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves” is filed as part of this report on page 118. |
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(b) | | Exhibits |
Exhibit Number
2.1 | | Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated September 15, 1986, by and among Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Texas corporation; Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Delaware corporation; and Doris Pilgrim Julian, Aubrey Hal Pilgrim, Paulette Pilgrim Rolston, Evanne Pilgrim, Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, Lonnie Ken Pilgrim, Greta Pilgrim Owens and Patrick Wayne Pilgrim (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-8805) effective November 14, 1986). |
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2.2 | | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 27, 2000 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 of WLR Foods, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (No. 000-17060) dated September 28, 2000). |
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2.3 | | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 3, 2006, by and among the Company, Protein Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Gold Kist Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.(D)(1) to Amendment No. 11 to the Company’s Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on December 5, 2006). |
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3.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 2004). |
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3.2 | | Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-111929) filed on January 15, 2004). |
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4.1 | | Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (included as Exhibit 3.1). |
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4.2 | | Amended and Restated Corporate Bylaws of the Company (included as Exhibit 3.2). |
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4.3 | | Indenture, dated November 21, 2003, between Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and The Bank of New York as Trustee relating to Pilgrim’s Pride’s 9 ¼% Senior Notes due 2013 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-111975) filed on January 16, 2004). |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
4.4 | | Form of 9 ¼% Note due 2013 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-111975) filed on January 16, 2004). |
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4.5 | | Senior Debt Securities Indenture dated as of January 24, 2007, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007). |
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4.6 | | First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Debt Securities Indenture dated as of January 24, 2007, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007). |
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4.7 | | Form of 7 5/8% Senior Note due 2015 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007). |
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4.8 | | Senior Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture dated as of January 24, 2007, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007). |
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4.9 | | First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities Indenture dated as of January 24, 2007, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007). |
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4.10 | | Form of 8 3/8% Subordinated Note due 2017 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007). |
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10.1 | | Pilgrim’s Industries, Inc. Profit Sharing Retirement Plan, restated as of July 1, 1987 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 1992). … |
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10.2 | | Senior Executive Performance Bonus Plan of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit A in the Company’s Proxy Statement dated December 13, 1999). … |
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10.3 | | Aircraft Lease Extension Agreement between B.P. Leasing Co. (L.A. Pilgrim, individually) and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (formerly Pilgrim’s Industries, Inc.) effective November 15, 1992 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.48 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 29, 1997). |
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10.4 | | Broiler Grower Contract dated May 6, 1997 between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim (Farm 30) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.49 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 29, 1997). |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
10.5 | | Commercial Egg Grower Contract dated May 7, 1997 between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Pilgrim Poultry G.P. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.50 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 29, 1997). |
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10.6 | | Agreement dated October 15, 1996 between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Pilgrim Poultry G.P. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended January 2, 1999). |
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10.7 | | Heavy Breeder Contract dated May 7, 1997 between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim (Farms 44, 45 & 46) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.51 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 29, 1997). |
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10.8 | | Broiler Grower Contract dated January 9, 1997 by and between Pilgrim’s Pride and O.B. Goolsby, Jr. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.25 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-29163) effective June 27, 1997). |
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10.9 | | Broiler Grower Contract dated January 15, 1997 by and between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and B.J.M. Farms (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-29163) effective June 27, 1997). |
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10.10 | | Broiler Grower Agreement dated January 29, 1997 by and between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Clifford E. Butler (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.27 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-29163) effective June 27, 1997). |
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10.11 | | Receivables Purchase Agreement dated June 26, 1998 between Pilgrim’s Pride Funding Corporation, as Seller, Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, as Servicer, Pooled Accounts Receivable Capital Corporation, as Purchaser, and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., as Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 27, 1998). |
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10.12 | | Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated as of June 26, 1998 between Pilgrim’s Pride Funding Corporation and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 27, 1998). |
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10.13 | | Guaranty Fee Agreement between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Pilgrim Interests, Ltd., dated June 11, 1999 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 1999). |
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10.14 | | Broiler Production Agreement between Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim dated November 15, 2005 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2005). |
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10.15 | | Commercial Property Lease dated December 29, 2000 between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and Pilgrim Poultry G.P. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.30 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended December 30, 2000). |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
10.16 | | Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 12, 2002 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of June 26, 1998 among Pilgrim’s Pride Funding Corporation, the Company, Fairway Finance Corporation (as successor in interest to Pooled Accounts Receivable Capital Corporation) and BMO Nesbitt Burns Corp. (f/k/a Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc.) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.32 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 6, 2002). |
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10.17 | | Amendment No. 3 dated as of July 18, 2003 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of June 26, 1998 between Pilgrim’s Pride Funding Corporation (“Seller”), Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation as initial Servicer, Fairway Finance Corporation (as successor in interest to Pooled Accounts Receivable Capital Corporation) (“Purchaser”) and Harris Nesbitt Corporation as agent for the purchaser (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 23, 2003). |
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10.18 | | Agricultural Lease between Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (Lessor) and Patrick W. Pilgrim (Tenant) dated May 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 23, 2003). |
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10.19 | | Amendment No. 4 dated as of December 31, 2003 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of June 26, 1998, among Pilgrim's Pride Funding Corporation, Pilgrim's Pride Corporation as initial Servicer, Fairway Finance Company, LLC (as successor to Fairway Finance Corporation) as purchaser and Harris Nesbitt Corp. (f/k/a BMO Nesbitt Burns Corp.) as agent for the purchaser (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed February 4, 2004). |
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10.20 | | Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 31, 2003 to Purchase and Contribution Agreement dated as of June 26, 1998, between Pilgrim's Pride Funding Corporation and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed February 4, 2004). |
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10.21 | | Employee Stock Investment Plan of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-111929) filed on January 15, 2004). … |
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10.22 | | Purchase and Amendment Agreement between Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and ConAgra Foods, Inc. dated August 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 4, 2005). |
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10.23 | | Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 30, 2005). … |
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10.24 | | Vendor Service Agreement dated effective December 28, 2005 between Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and Pat Pilgrim (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 6, 2006). |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
10.25 | | Transportation Agreement dated effective December 28, 2005 between Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and Pat Pilgrim (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 6, 2006). |
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10.26 | | Ground Lease Agreement dated effective January 4, 2006 between Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and Pat Pilgrim (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 6, 2006). |
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10.27 | | Credit Agreement by and among the Avícola Pilgrim’s Pride de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. (the "Borrower"), Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, certain Mexico subsidiaries of the Borrower, ING Capital LLC, and the lenders signatory thereto dated as of September 25, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2006). |
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10.28 | | 2006 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among CoBank, ACB, Agriland, FCS and the Company dated as of September 21, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2006). |
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10.29 | | First Amendment to the Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation Amended and Restated 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, dated as of November 29, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.03 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 05, 2006). … |
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10.30 | | Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 3, 2006, by and among the Company, the Purchaser and Gold Kist Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.(D)(1) to Amendment No. 11 to the Company’s Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO filed on December 5, 2006). |
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10.31 | | First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2006, by and among the Company, as borrower, CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and co-syndication agent, and sole book runner, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent, Agriland, FCS, as co-syndication agent, and as a syndication party, and the other syndication parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2006). |
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10.32 | | Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2007, by and among the Company, as borrower, CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and co-syndication agent, and sole book runner, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent, Agriland, FCS, as co-syndication agent, and as a syndication party, and the other syndication parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2007). |
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10.33 | | Fourth Amended and Restated Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2007, by and among the Company, To-Ricos, Ltd., To-Ricos Distribution, Ltd., Bank of Montreal, as agent, SunTrust Bank as syndication agent, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Co-Documentation Agents, BMO Capital Market as lead arranger, and the other lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2007). |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
10.34 | | Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2007, by and among the Company as borrower, CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and co-syndication agent, and the sole book runner, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent, Agriland, FCS, as co-syndication agent, and as a syndication party, and the other syndication parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.02 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2007). |
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10.35 | | First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2007, by and among the Borrower, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, ING Capital LLC, and the Lenders (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 20, 2007). |
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10.36 | | Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2007, by and among the Company as borrower, CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and co-syndication agent, and the sole book runner, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent, Agriland, FCS, as co-syndication agent, and as syndication party, and the other syndication parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed July 31, 2007). |
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10.37 | | Amendment No. 5 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 2007, among the Company, Pilgrim's Pride Funding Corporation, Fairway Finance Company, LLC and BMO Capital Markets Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.01 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 24, 2007). |
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10.38 | | Retirement and Consulting Agreement dated as of October 10, 2007, between the Company and Clifford E. Butler (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 2007). … |
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10.39 | | Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2007, by and among the Company as borrower, CoBank, ACB, as lead arranger and co-syndication agent, and the sole book runner, and as administrative, documentation and collateral agent, Agriland, FCS, as co-syndication agent, and as syndication party, and the other syndication parties signatory thereto.* |
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10.40 | | Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2007, by and among the Company as borrower, CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, and the other syndication parties signatory thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 13, 2007). |
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12 | | Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the years ended September 29, 2007, September 30, 2006, October 1, 2005, October 2, 2004, September 27, 2003, and September 28, 2002.* |
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21 | | Subsidiaries of Registrant.* |
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23 | | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.* |
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31.1 | | Certification of Co-Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
31.2 | | Certification of Co-Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
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31.3 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
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32.1 | | Certification of Co-Principal Executive Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
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32.2 | | Certification of Co-Principal Executive Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
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32.3 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
| …Represents a management contract or compensation plan arrangement |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 19h day of November 2007.
PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION
By: | /s/ Richard A. Cogdill |
| Richard A. Cogdill |
| Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature | Title | Date |
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/s/ Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim | Senior Chairman of the Board | 11/19/07 |
Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim | | |
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/s/ Lonnie Ken Pilgrim | Chairman of the Board | 11/19/07 |
Lonnie Ken Pilgrim | | |
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/s/ Clifford E. Butler | Vice Chairman of the Board | 11/19/07 |
Clifford E. Butler | | |
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/s/ O.B. Goolsby, Jr. | President | 11/19/07 |
O.B. Goolsby, Jr. | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Director | |
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/s/ Richard A. Cogdill | Chief Financial Officer, | 11/19/07 |
Richard A. Cogdill | Secretary and Treasurer | |
| Director | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |
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/s/ Charles L. Black | Director | 11/19/07 |
Charles L. Black | | |
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/s/ Linda Chavez | Director | 11/16/07 |
Linda Chavez | | |
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/s/ S. Key Coker | Director | 11/19/07 |
S. Key Coker | | |
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/s/ Keith W. Hughes | Director | 11/19/07 |
Keith W. Hughes | | |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
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/s/ Blake D. Lovette | Director | 11/19/07 |
Blake D. Lovette | | |
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/s/ Vance C. Miller, Sr. | Director | 11/19/07 |
Vance C. Miller, Sr. | | |
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/s/ James G. Vetter, Jr. | Director | 11/19/07 |
James G. Vetter, Jr. | | |
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/s/ Donald L. Wass, Ph.D. | Director | 11/19/07 |
Donald L. Wass, Ph.D. | | |
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Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation as of September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 29, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation as of September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 29, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 29, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated November 13, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
November 13, 2007
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
(In thousands, except share and per share data) | | September 29, 2007 | | | September 30, 2006 | |
Assets | | | | | | |
Current Assets: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 66,168 | | | $ | 156,404 | |
Investment in available-for-sale securities | | | 8,153 | | | | 21,246 | |
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts | | | 130,173 | | | | 263,149 | |
Inventories | | | 961,885 | | | | 585,940 | |
Income taxes receivable | | | 61,901 | | | | 39,167 | |
Current deferred taxes | | | 8,095 | | | | 7,288 | |
Other current assets | | | 47,959 | | | | 32,480 | |
Total Current Assets | | | 1,284,334 | | | | 1,105,674 | |
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Investment in Available-for-Sale Securities | | | 46,035 | | | | 115,375 | |
Other Assets | | | 138,546 | | | | 50,825 | |
Goodwill | | | 505,166 | | | | -- | |
Property, Plant and Equipment: | | | | | | | | |
Land | | | 115,101 | | | | 52,493 | |
Buildings, machinery and equipment | | | 2,391,154 | | | | 1,702,949 | |
Autos and trucks | | | 59,559 | | | | 57,177 | |
Construction in progress | | | 124,193 | | | | 63,853 | |
| | | 2,690,007 | | | | 1,876,472 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | (889,852 | ) | | | (721,478 | ) |
| | | 1,800,155 | | | | 1,154,994 | |
| | $ | 3,774,236 | | | $ | 2,426,868 | |
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 402,316 | | | $ | 293,685 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 500,014 | | | | 272,830 | |
Current maturities of long-term debt | | | 2,872 | | | | 10,322 | |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 905,202 | | | | 576,837 | |
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Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities | | | 1,318,558 | | | | 554,876 | |
Deferred Income Taxes | | | 326,570 | | | | 175,869 | |
Other Long-Term Liabilities | | | 51,685 | | | | 1,958 | |
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Commitments and Contingencies | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Stockholders’ Equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 authorized shares; none issued | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Common stock – $.01 par value, 160,000,000 authorized shares; 66,555,733 issued and outstanding | | | 665 | | | | 665 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 469,779 | | | | 469,779 | |
Retained earnings | | | 687,775 | | | | 646,750 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 14,002 | | | | 134 | |
Total Stockholders’ Equity | | | 1,172,221 | | | | 1,117,328 | |
| | $ | 3,774,236 | | | $ | 2,426,868 | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
(In thousands, except per share data) | | Three Years Ended September 29, 2007 | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
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Net Sales | | $ | 7,598,599 | | | $ | 5,235,565 | | | $ | 5,666,275 | |
Cost and Expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 7,007,061 | | | | 4,937,965 | | | | 4,921,076 | |
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Gross Profit | | | 591,538 | | | | 297,600 | | | | 745,199 | |
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Selling, general and administrative | | | 359,001 | | | | 294,598 | | | | 309,387 | |
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Operating Income | | | 232,537 | | | | 3,002 | | | | 435,812 | |
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Other Expenses (Income): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | 125,757 | | | | 50,601 | | | | 49,585 | |
Interest income | | | (4,640 | ) | | | (10,048 | ) | | | (5,653 | ) |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | | | 26,463 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Foreign exchange (gain) loss | | | 1,378 | | | | 144 | | | | (474 | ) |
Miscellaneous, net | | | (8,028 | ) | | | (1,378 | ) | | | (11,169 | ) |
| | | 140,930 | | | | 39,319 | | | | 32,289 | |
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Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | | | 91,607 | | | | (36,317 | ) | | | 403,523 | |
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | | | 44,590 | | | | (2,085 | ) | | | 138,544 | |
Net Income (Loss) | | $ | 47,017 | | | $ | (34,232 | ) | | $ | 264,979 | |
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N Net Income (Loss) per Common Share-Basic and Diluted | | $ | 0.71 | | | $ | (0.51 | ) | | $ | 3.98 | |
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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Accumulated | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Total | | | Additional | | | | | | Other | | | | | | | |
| | Shares of | | | Par | | | Paid-In | | | Retained | | | Comprehensive | | | Treasury | | | | |
| | Common Stock | | | Value | | | Capital | | | Earnings | | | Income (Loss) | | | Stock | | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at October 2, 2004 | | | 66,826,833 | | | $ | 668 | | | $ | 431,662 | | | $ | 492,542 | | | $ | (348 | ) | | $ | (1,568 | ) | | $ | 922,956 | |
Sale of common stock | | | 15,443,054 | | | | 154 | | | | 521,774 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 521,928 | |
Purchase and retirement of common stock | | | (15,443,054 | ) | | | (154 | ) | | | (482,092 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (482,246 | ) |
Net income for year | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 264,979 | | | | | | | | | | | | 264,979 | |
Other comprehensive loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (25 | ) | | | | | | | (25 | ) |
Total comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 264,954 | |
Cash dividends declared ($.06 per share) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3,993 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (3,993 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at October 1, 2005 | | | 66,826,833 | | | | 668 | | | | 471,344 | | | | 753,527 | | | | (373 | ) | | | (1,568 | ) | | | 1,223,598 | |
Cancellation of Treasury Stock | | | (271,100 | ) | | | (3 | ) | | | (1,565 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | 1,568 | | | | | |
Net loss for year | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (34,232 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (34,232 | ) |
Other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 507 | | | | | | | | 507 | |
Total comprehensive loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (33,725 | ) |
Cash dividends declared ($1.09 per share) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (72,545 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (72,545 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2006 | | | 66,555,733 | | | | 665 | | | | 469,779 | | | | 646,750 | | | | 134 | | | | -- | | | | 1,117,328 | |
Net income for year | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 47,017 | | | | | | | | | | | | 47,017 | |
Other comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 13,868 | | | | | | | | 13,868 | |
Total comprehensive income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 60,885 | |
Cash dividends declared ($.09 per share) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5,992 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (5,992 | ) |
Balance at September 29, 2007 | | | 66,555,733 | | | $ | 665 | | | $ | 469,779 | | | $ | 687,775 | | | $ | 14,002 | | | | -- | | | $ | 1,172,221 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation
(In thousands) | | Three Years Ended September 29, 2007 | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 47,017 | | | $ | (34,232 | ) | | $ | 264,979 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 204,903 | | | | 135,133 | | | | 134,944 | |
Non-cash loss on early extinguishment of debt | | | 9,543 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Asset impairment | | | -- | | | | 3,767 | | | | -- | |
(Gain) loss on property disposals | | | (446 | ) | | | 1,781 | | | | 4,326 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 83,884 | | | | 20,455 | | | | 2,247 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effect of business acquired | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts and other receivables | | | 247,217 | | | | 31,121 | | | | 21,192 | |
Income taxes (payable) receivable | | | 5,570 | | | | (55,363 | ) | | | (38,251 | ) |
Inventories | | | (129,645 | ) | | | (58,612 | ) | | | 82,669 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | (2,981 | ) | | | (6,594 | ) | | | 20,800 | |
Accounts payable, and accrued expenses | | | (5,097 | ) | | | (3,501 | ) | | | (610 | ) |
Other | | | 3,999 | | | | (3,573 | ) | | | 777 | |
Cash Provided by Operating Activities | | | 463,964 | | | | 30,382 | | | | 493,073 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment | | | (172,323 | ) | | | (143,882 | ) | | | (116,588 | ) |
Purchase of investment securities | | | (125,045 | ) | | | (318,266 | ) | | | (305,458 | ) |
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities | | | 208,676 | | | | 490,764 | | | | -- | |
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired | | | (1,102,069 | ) | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Proceeds from property disposals | | | 6,286 | | | | 4,148 | | | | 4,963 | |
Other, net | | | -- | | | | (506 | ) | | | (524 | ) |
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities | | | (1,184,475 | ) | | | 32,258 | | | | (417,607 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from notes payable to banks | | | -- | | | | 270,500 | | | | -- | |
Repayments on notes payable to banks | | | -- | | | | (270,500 | ) | | | -- | |
Proceeds from long-term debt | | | 751,255 | | | | 74,683 | | | | -- | |
Payments on long-term debt | | | (1,368,700 | ) | | | (36,950 | ) | | | (16,829 | ) |
Bank overdraft activity | | | 39,231 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Purchases for retirement of common stock | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (482,246 | ) |
Sale of common stock | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 521,928 | |
Borrowing for acquisition | | | 1,230,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Equity and debt issue costs | | | (15,565 | ) | | | (3,938 | ) | | | -- | |
Cash dividends paid | | | (5,992 | ) | | | (72,545 | ) | | | (3,993 | ) |
Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities | | | 630,229 | | | | (38,750 | ) | | | 18,860 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | 46 | | | | (53 | ) | | | 76 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | (90,236 | ) | | | 23,837 | | | | 94,402 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | | 156,404 | | | | 132,567 | | | | 38,165 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year | | $ | 66,168 | | | $ | 156,404 | | | $ | 132,567 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Disclosure Information: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the year for: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest (net of amount capitalized) | | $ | 104,394 | | | $ | 48,590 | | | $ | 46,945 | |
Income taxes paid | | $ | 11,164 | | | $ | 37,813 | | | $ | 172,929 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
NOTE A – BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “the Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or similar terms) is the world’s largest chicken company. In the U.S., we produce both prepared and fresh chicken and fresh turkey. In Mexico and Puerto Rico, we produce exclusively fresh chicken. Through vertical integration, we control the breeding, hatching and growing of chickens and the processing and preparation, packaging and sale of our product lines.
Our prepared chicken products include portion-controlled breast fillets, tenderloins and strips, delicatessen products, salads, formed nuggets and patties and bone-in chicken parts. These products are sold either refrigerated or frozen and may be fully cooked, partially cooked or raw. In addition, these products are breaded or non-breaded and either pre-marinated or non-marinated. The Company also sells fresh chicken products to the foodservice and retail markets. Our fresh chicken products consist of refrigerated (non-frozen) whole or cut-up chicken, either pre-marinated or non-marinated, and pre-packaged chicken in various combinations of freshly refrigerated, whole chickens and chicken parts.
Our turkey products include fresh and frozen whole birds. In addition, we have fully cooked whole turkeys available.
Accounting Adjustments and Reclassifications
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we recorded certain accounting adjustments (“Accounting Adjustments”) in our 2006 Consolidated Financial Statements. These Accounting Adjustments related to the accounting for the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees and certain post-employment benefit obligations in Mexico. These Accounting Adjustments resulted in a charge of $4.6 million, net of tax, in our Consolidated Statement of Operations that related to prior periods.
We believe these Accounting Adjustments, considered individually and in the aggregate, were not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended September 30, 2006 or October 1, 2005. As a result, they were reflected as an adjustment in fiscal 2006 only. In making this assessment, we considered qualitative and quantitative factors, including the significant earnings we reported in fiscal 2005 and the impact of making these Accounting Adjustments in fiscal 2006, primarily based on their significance to other key financial measures and consideration of the trend of earnings for 2006 versus the prior periods presented.
Certain items in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to the current year’s presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and its majority owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The Company reports on the basis of a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Saturday closest to September 30. As a result, fiscal years 2007, 2006, and 2005 each had 52 weeks.
The financial statements of the Company’s Mexico subsidiaries are remeasured as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we translate assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We translate non-monetary assets using the historical rates in effect on the date of acquisition. We translate income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Foreign exchange gains or losses are separately stated as a component of “Other Expenses (Income)” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized upon shipment and transfer of ownership of the product to the customer and is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Shipping and Handling Costs
Costs associated with the products shipped to customers are recognized in cost of sales.
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Investment in Available-for-Sale Securities
The Company’s investments at September 29, 2007 are in debt and equity securities which are classified as available for sale and carried at market value. Investments are classified based on their underlying contractual maturity at date of purchase by the Company. Certain investments are held in trust as compensating balance arrangements for our insurance liability and are classified as long-term based on a maturity date greater than one year from the balance sheet date and management’s intention not to use such assets in the next twelve months. Available-for-sale investments with a remaining maturity date of one year or less from the balance sheet date are classified as current assets and those with a maturity date of greater than one year are classified as long-term assets based on management’s intention not to use such assets in the next twelve months. Investments in debt securities are primarily invested in municipal bonds. The average maturity period of the Company’s investments at September 29, 2007 was 1-3 years. All equity securities are classified as long-term. Approximately $0.9 million, net of tax, in unrealized gains related to these investments at September 29, 2007 were recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable at September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 approximated their fair values due to the short- term nature of these items. Long-term investments are adjusted to fair value on a monthly basis. The fair values of the Company’s long-term investments in available for sale securities was $46.0 million. See Note E for discussion of the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, investment securities, and trade receivables. The Company’s cash equivalents are in high-quality securities placed with major banks and financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across geographic areas.
With the exception of one customer that accounts for approximately 14.0% of accounts receivable at September 29, 2007 and 12% of net sales for fiscal 2007 primarily related to our chicken segment, the Company does not believe it has significant concentrations of credit risk in its accounts receivable, which are generally unsecured. Credit evaluations are performed on all significant customers and updated as circumstances dictate.
Inventories
Live poultry inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and breeder hens at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or market. The costs associated with breeder hens are accumulated up to the production stage and amortized over the productive lives using the unit-of-production method. Finished poultry products, feed, eggs and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. We record valuations and adjustments for our inventory and for estimated obsolescence at or equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon known conditions affecting the inventory’s obsolescence, including significantly aged products, discontinued product lines, or damaged or obsolete products. We allocate meat costs between our various finished poultry products based on a by-product costing technique that reduces the cost of the whole bird by estimated yields and amounts to be recovered for certain by-product parts, primarily including leg quarters, wings, tenders and offal, which are carried in inventory at the estimated recovery amounts, with the remaining amount being reflected as our breast meat cost. Generally, the Company performs an evaluation of whether any lower of cost or market adjustments are required at the segment level based on a number of factors, including: (i) pools of related inventory, (ii) product age, condition and continuation or discontinuation, (iii) estimated market selling prices and (iv) expected distribution channels. If actual market conditions or other factors are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, and repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
estimated useful lives of these assets. Depreciation expense was $196.4 million, $130.5 million and $130.6 million in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Estimated useful lives for building, machinery and equipment are 5 years to 33 years and for automobiles and trucks are 3 years to 10 years. The charge to income resulting from amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense.
The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. The impairment charge is determined based upon the amount the net book value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. In making these determinations, the Company utilizes certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) future cash flows estimates expected to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, remaining length of service and estimated salvage values; (ii) estimated fair market value of the assets; and (iii) determinations with respect to the lowest level of cash flows relevant to the respective impairment test, generally groupings of related operational facilities.
Accrued Expenses
The carrying values of accrued expenses were as follows:
| | September 29, 2007 | | | September 30, 2006 | |
| | (Dollars in thousands) | |
| | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 231,401 | | | $ | 143,555 | |
Interest | | | 49,063 | | | | 5,276 | |
Other | | | 219,550 | | | | 123,999 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses | | $ | 500,014 | | | $ | 272,830 | |
Purchase Price Accounting
The Company allocates the total purchase price in connection with acquisitions to assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values. For property, plant and equipment and intangible assets other than goodwill, for significant acquisitions, the Company has historically relied upon the use of third-party valuation experts to assist in the estimation of fair values. Historically, the carrying value of acquired accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable have approximated their fair value as of the date of acquisition, though adjustments are made within purchase price accounting to the extent needed to record such assets and liabilities at fair value. With respect to accrued liabilities, the Company uses all available information to make its best estimate of the fair value of the acquired liabilities and, when necessary, may rely upon the use of third-party actuarial experts to assist in the estimation of fair value for certain liabilities, primarily pension and self-insurance accruals.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities
The Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to employment, environmental, product and other matters, and is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required, including anticipated cost of defense, if any, for these contingencies is made when losses are determined to be probable and after considerable analysis of each individual issue. These reserves may change in the future due to changes in the Company’s assumptions, the effectiveness of strategies, or other factors beyond the Company’s control.
Accrued Self Insurance
Insurance expense for casualty claims and employee-related health care benefits are estimated using historical and current experience and actuarial estimates. Stop-loss coverage is maintained with third-party insurers to limit the Company’s total exposure. Certain categories of claim liabilities are actuarially determined. The assumption used to arrive at periodic expenses is reviewed regularly by management. However, actual expenses could differ from these estimates and could result in adjustments to be recognized.
Income Taxes
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Taxes are provided for international subsidiaries based on the assumption that their earnings are indefinitely reinvested in foreign subsidiaries and as such deferred taxes are not provided for in U.S. income taxes that would be required in the event of distribution of these earnings. We also reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We review the recoverability of any tax assets recorded on the balance sheet, primarily operating loss carryforwards, based on both historical and anticipated earnings levels of the individual operations and provide a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that amounts will not be recovered.
As of September 29, 2007, the Company had reserves totaling $26.9 million for taxes that may become payable in future years as a result of audits by tax authorities. Although the Company believes that the positions taken on previously filed tax returns are reasonable, it nevertheless has established tax reserves in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge the positions taken by the Company resulting in additional liabilities for tax and interest. The tax reserves are reviewed as circumstances warrant and adjusted as events occur that affect the Company’s potential liability for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, conclusion of tax audits, additional exposure based on current calculations, identification of new issues, release of administrative guidance, or rendering of a court decision affecting a particular tax issue.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Common Stock
Prior to November 21, 2003, the Company had two classes of authorized common stock, Class A common stock and Class B common stock. After the New York Stock Exchange closed on November 21, 2003, each share of Class A common stock and each share of Class B common stock was reclassified into one share of new common stock. The new common stock is our only class of authorized common stock. The new common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PPC” and registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Following the reclassification, our certificate of incorporation contains no provisions for Class A common stock or Class B common stock. In connection with the elimination of the dual class capital structure, our certificate of incorporation now authorizes 160 million shares of common stock instead of 100 million shares of Class A common stock and 60 million shares of Class B common stock.
Except as to voting rights, the rights of the new common stock are substantially identical to the rights of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Each share of common stock that was reclassified into our new common stock is generally entitled to cast twenty votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders until there is a change in the beneficial ownership of such share.
The reclassification had no significant effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, as the combination of the Class A and Class B shares into a new class of common stock did not affect the overall shares of common stock outstanding. Prior year balances reflect this reclassification as if it had occurred as of the earliest period presented.
As of September 29, 2007, we estimate that approximately 26 million shares of our common stock carry 20 votes per share, of which 25.3 million shares are beneficially owned by our Senior Chairman, Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, or certain related entities.
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
Net income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of shares outstanding (basic and diluted) included herein were 66,555,733 in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Pending Adoption of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company must adopt this Interpretation in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The Company has not completed its evaluation as to the impact that adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157,Fair Value Measurements. This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. However, for some enterprises, the application of this Statement will change current practice. The Company must adopt SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Although the Company has not completed its evaluation as to the impact that adoption will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, it currently believes the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will not require material modification of its fair value measurements and will be substantially limited to expanded disclosures in the notes to its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This Statement permits an enterprise to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 will become effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that use of the fair value measurement option on its financial instruments and other applicable items would have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE B – BUSINESS ACQUISITION
On December 27, 2006, we acquired 45,343,812 shares, representing 88.9% of shares outstanding, of Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”) common stock through a tender offer. We subsequently acquired all remaining Gold Kist shares and, on January 9, 2007, Gold Kist became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Gold Kist, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was the third largest chicken company in the United States, accounting for more than nine percent of chicken produced in the United States in recent years. Gold Kist operated a fully-integrated chicken production business that included live production, processing, marketing and distribution.
For financial reporting purposes, we have not included the operating results and cash flows of Gold Kist in our consolidated financial statements for the period from December 27, 2006 through December 30, 2006. The operating results and cash flows of Gold Kist from December 27, 2006 through December 30, 2006 were not material. We have included the acquired assets and assumed liabilities in our balance sheet using an allocation of the purchase price based on an appraisal received from a third-party valuation specialist.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The following summarizes our purchase price at December 27, 2006 (in thousands):
| | | |
Purchase 50,146,368 shares at $21.00 per share | | $ | 1,053,074 | |
Premium paid on retirement of debt | | | 22,208 | |
Retirement of various share-based compensation awards | | | 25,677 | |
Various costs and fees | | | 37,740 | |
Total purchase price | | $ | 1,138,699 | |
We retired the Gold Kist 10 1/4% Senior Notes due 2014 with a book value of $128.5 million at a cost of $149.8 million plus accrued interest and the Gold Kist Subordinated Capital Certificates of Interest at par plus accrued interest and a premium of one year’s interest. We also paid acquisition transaction costs and funded change in control payments to certain Gold Kist employees. This acquisition was initially funded by (1) $780 million borrowed under our revolving-term secured credit facility and (2) $450 million borrowed under our $450 million Senior Unsecured Term Loan Agreement (“Bridge Loan”) (see Note E below).
In connection with the acquisition, we elected to freeze certain of the Gold Kist benefit plans with the intent to ultimately terminate them. We recorded a purchase price adjustment of $65.6 million to increase the benefit plans liability to the $82.5 million current estimated cost of these plan terminations. We do not anticipate any material net periodic benefit costs (income) related to these plans in the future. Additionally, we conformed Gold Kist’s accounting policies to our accounting policies and provided for deferred income taxes on all related purchase adjustments.
The following summarizes our estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.
Purchase price allocation:
(In thousands):
Current assets | | $ | 418,583 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 675,054 | |
Goodwill | | | 505,166 | |
Intangible assets | | | 64,500 | |
Other assets | | | 65,597 | |
Total assets acquired | | | 1,728,900 | |
Current liabilities | | | 276,194 | |
Long-term debt, less current maturities | | | 140,674 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 93,509 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 79,824 | |
Total liabilities assumed | | | 590,201 | |
Total purchase price | | $ | 1,138,699 | |
| | | | |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Goodwill and other intangible assets reflected above were determined to meet the criteria for recognition apart from tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Intangible assets related to the acquisition consisted of the following at December 27, 2006:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Estimated | | | Amortization | |
| | Fair Value | | | Period | |
| | (In millions) | | | (In years) | |
| | | | | | | | |
I In tangible assets subject to amortization: | | | | | | | | |
Customer relationships | | $ | 51,000 | | | | 13.0 | |
Trade name | | | 13,200 | | | | 3.0 | |
Non-compete agreements | | | 300 | | | | 3.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total intangible assets subject to amortization | | | 64,500 | | | | | |
G Goodwill | | | 505,166 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total intangible assets | | $ | 569,666 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted average amortization period | | | | | | | 10.9 | |
Goodwill, which is recognized in the Company’s chicken segment, represents the purchase price in excess of the value assigned to identifiable tangible and intangible assets. We elected to acquire Gold Kist at a price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill because of the following strategic and financial benefits:
- | The combined company is now positioned as the world’s leading chicken producer and that position has provided us with enhanced abilities to: |
· | Compete more efficiently and provide even better customer service; |
· | Expand our geographic reach and customer base; |
· | Further pursue value-added and prepared foods opportunities; and |
· | Offer long-term growth opportunities for our stockholders, employees, and growers. |
- | The combined company is better positioned to compete in the industry both internationally and in the United States as additional consolidation occurs. |
The amortizable intangible assets were determined by us to have finite lives. The useful life for the customer relationships intangible asset we recognized was based on our forecasts of customer turnover. The useful life for the trade name intangible asset we recognized was based on the estimated length of our use of the Gold Kist trade name while it is phased out and replaced with the Pilgrim’s Pride trade name. The useful life of the non-compete agreements intangible asset we recognized was based on the remaining life of the agreements. We amortize these intangible assets over their remaining useful lives on a straight-line basis. Annual amortization expense for these intangible assets was $6.3 million in fiscal 2007. We expect to recognize annual amortization expense of $8.4 million in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009, $5.1 million in fiscal 2010, $3.9 million in fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2019, and $1.0 million in fiscal 2020.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The following unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented.
In thousands, except share and per share data | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal 2007 (Pro forma) | | | Fiscal 2006 (Pro forma) | |
Net sales | | $ | 8,126,409 | | | $ | 7,352,018 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | $ | 230,126 | | | $ | 228,105 | |
Operating income (loss) | | $ | 201,986 | | | $ | (53,585 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | $ | 146,928 | | | $ | 125,314 | |
Income (loss) before taxes | | $ | 36,372 | | | $ | (172,740 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 12,832 | | | $ | (118,571 | ) |
Net income (loss) per common share | | $ | 0.19 | | | $ | (1.78 | ) |
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 66,555,733 | | | | 66,555,733 | |
NOTE C – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
In connection with the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated June 26, 1998, as amended, the Company sells, on a revolving basis, certain of its trade receivables (the “Pooled Receivables”) to a special purpose corporation wholly owned by the Company, which in turn sells a percentage ownership interest to third parties. As of September 29, 2007, $300.0 million in Pooled Receivables had been sold. During fiscal 2006 and 2005 there were no Pooled Receivables sold. The gross proceeds resulting from the sale are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Losses on the sale were immaterial.
NOTE D – INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following:
| | September 29, | | | September 30, | |
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Chicken: | | | | | | |
Live chicken and hens | | $ | 343,185 | | | $ | 196,284 | |
Feed and eggs | | | 223,631 | | | | 132,309 | |
Finished chicken products | | | 337,052 | | | | 201,516 | |
| | | 903,868 | | | | 530,109 | |
Turkey: | | | | | | | | |
Live turkey and hens | | $ | 8,839 | | | $ | 7,138 | |
Feed and eggs | | | 2,664 | | | | 4,740 | |
Finished turkey products | | | 25,929 | | | | 26,685 | |
| | | 37,432 | | | | 38,563 | |
Other Products: | | | | | �� | | | |
Commercial feed, table eggs, and retail farm store | | $ | 11,327 | | | $ | 7,080 | |
Distribution inventories (other than chicken & turkey products) | | | 9,258 | | | | 10,188 | |
| | | 20,585 | | | | 17,268 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Inventories | | $ | 961,885 | | | $ | 585,940 | |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
NOTE E – NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
The following table presents our long-term debt as of September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 (in thousands):
(in thousands) | Final Maturity | | September 29, 2007 | | | September 30, 2006 | |
| | | | | | | |
Senior unsecured notes, at 7 5/8% | 2015 | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | -- | |
Senior unsecured notes, at 8 3/8% | 2017 | | | 250,000 | | | | -- | |
Senior unsecured notes, at 9 5/8% | 2011 | | | -- | | | | 299,601 | |
Senior subordinated unsecured notes, at 9 1/4% | 2013 | | | 5,135 | | | | 82,640 | |
Secured revolving credit facility with notes payable at LIBOR plus 1.25% to LIBOR plus 2.75% | 2011 | | | 26,293 | | | | 74,682 | |
Note payable to an insurance company at 6.68% | 2012 | | | -- | | | | 50,115 | |
Notes payable to an insurance company at LIBOR plus 2.2075% | 2013 | | | -- | | | | 41,333 | |
Secured revolving-term/credit facility with notes payable at LIBOR or US Treasuries, plus a spread | 2016 | | | 622,350 | | | | -- | |
Other | Various | | | 17,652 | | | | 16,827 | |
| | | | 1,321,430 | | | | 565,198 | |
Less current maturities | | | | (2,872 | ) | | | (10,322 | ) |
Total | | | $ | 1,318,558 | | | $ | 554,876 | |
In September 2006, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolver/term credit agreement with a maturity date of September 21, 2016. At September 29, 2007 this revolver/term credit agreement provides for an aggregate commitment of $1.172 billion consisting of i) a $550 million revolving/term loan commitment and ii) $622.4 million in various term loans. At September 29, 2007, the Company had nothing outstanding under the revolver and $622.4 million outstanding in various term loans. The total credit facility is presently secured by certain fixed assets with a current availability of $550.0 million. From time to time, if certain conditions are satisfied, the Company has the right to increase the revolving/term loan commitment and term loan commitment to a total maximum amount of $1.0 billion and $750 million, respectively. Borrowings under the revolving/term loan commitment are available on a revolving basis until September 21, 2011 at which time the outstanding borrowings will be converted to a term loan maturing on September 21, 2016. The fixed rate term loans bear interest at rates ranging from 6.84% to 7.06%. The voluntary converted loans bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR plus 1.0% - 2.0% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. The floating rate term loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50%-1.75% based on the ratio of the Company’s debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. The revolving/term loans provide for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 1.0%-2.0% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. Revolving/term loans converted to term loans on September 21, 2011 will be payable in equal quarterly principal payments of 10% per annum of the original principal amount beginning the calendar quarter following the conversion date with the remaining balance due on the maturity date. Of the term loans outstanding, $208.7 million must be repaid in equal quarterly principal payments of 1% per annum of the original principal amount with the remaining balance due on the maturity date. All borrowings are subject to the availability of eligible collateral and no material adverse change provisions. Commitment fees charged on the unused balance of this facility range from 0.20% to 0.40% depending upon the
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. One-half of the outstanding obligations under the revolver/term credit agreement are guaranteed by Pilgrim Interests, Ltd., an entity related to our Senior Chairman, Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim.
On December 15, 2006, the Company borrowed $100 million at 6.84% under our revolver/term credit agreement and used substantially all of the funds to repay, in full, term loans payable to an insurance company under a note purchase agreement maturing in 2012 and 2013.
In January 2007, the Company borrowed (1) $780 million under our revolver/term credit agreement and (2) $450 million under our bridge loan agreement to fund the Gold Kist acquisition. On January 24, 2007, the Company closed on the sale of $400 million of 7 5/8% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) and $250 million of 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “Subordinated Notes”), sold at par. Interest is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2007. We may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes on or after May 1, 2011. We may redeem all or part of the Subordinated Notes on or after May 1, 2012. Before May 1, 2010, we also may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of each of the Senior Notes and the Subordinated Notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Each of these optional redemptions is at a premium as described in the indentures under which the notes were issued. The proceeds from the sale of the notes, after underwriting discounts, were used to (1) retire the loans outstanding under our bridge loan agreement, (2) repurchase $77.5 million of the Company’s 9 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 at a premium of $7.4 million plus accrued interest of $1.3 million and (3) reduce outstanding revolving loans under our revolving/term credit agreement. Loss on early extinguishment of debt includes the $7.4 million premium along with unamortized loan costs of $7.1 million related to the retirement of these Notes.
On September 21, 2007, the Company redeemed all of its 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011 at a total cost of $307.5 million. To fund a portion of the aggregate redemption price, the Company sold $300 million of trade receivables under its Receivables Purchase Agreement. Loss on early extinguishment of debt includes the $9.5 million premium along with unamortized loan costs of $2.5 million related to the retirement of these Notes.
As of September 29, 2007, we had a $300.0 million commitment under a domestic revolving credit facility that provides for interest rates ranging from LIBOR plus 0.75-1.75% depending upon our total debt to capitalization ratio. From time to time, if certain conditions are satisfied, the Company has the right to increase the revolving commitment to a total maximum amount of $450 million. At September 29, 2007, $215.1 million was available for borrowing under the domestic revolving credit facility. Borrowings against this facility are subject to the availability of eligible collateral and no material adverse change provisions. The obligations under this facility are secured by domestic chicken inventories. Commitment fees charged on the unused balance of this facility range from 0.175% to 0.35% depending upon the Company’s total debt to capitalization ratio. One-half of the outstanding obligations under the domestic revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Pilgrim Interests, Ltd., an entity related to our Senior Chairman, Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim.
On September 25, 2006, a subsidiary of the Company, Avícola Pilgrim’s Pride de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. (the “Borrower”), entered into a secured revolving credit agreement of up to $75 million with a final maturity date of September 25, 2011. In March 2007, the Borrower elected to reduce the commitment under this agreement to approximately $50 million. Outstanding
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
amounts bear interest at rates ranging from the higher of the Prime Rate or Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%; LIBOR plus 1.25%-2.75%; or TIIE plus 1.05%-2.55% depending on the loan designation. Obligations under this agreement are secured by a security interest in and lien upon all capital stock and other equity interests of the Company’s Mexican subsidiaries. All the obligations of the Borrower are secured by unconditional guaranty by the Company. At September 29, 2007, $26.3 million was outstanding and approximately $23.7 million was available under this line. All borrowings are subject to no material adverse effect provisions.
On June 29, 1999, the Camp County Industrial Development Corporation issued $25.0 million of variable-rate environmental facilities revenue bonds supported by letters of credit obtained by us. We may draw from these proceeds over the construction period for new sewage and solid waste disposal facilities at a poultry by-products plant to be built in Camp County, Texas. We are not required to borrow the full amount of the proceeds from these revenue bonds. All amounts borrowed from these funds will be due in 2029. The revenue bonds are supported by letters of credit obtained by us under our available revolving credit facilities. The bonds will be recorded as debt of the Company if and when they are spent to fund construction.
Most of our domestic inventories and domestic fixed assets are pledged as collateral on our long-term debt and credit facilities.
Annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to September 29, 2007 are: 2008 -- $2.9 million; 2009 -- $2.4 million; 2010 -- $1.3 million; 2011 -- $27.9 million; and 2012 -- $1.3 million and thereafter -- $1.286 billion.
The Company is required, by certain provisions of its debt agreements, to maintain levels of working capital and net worth, to limit dividends to a maximum of $26 million per year, and to maintain various fixed charge, leverage, current and debt-to-equity ratios. In fiscal 2006, waivers were obtained to permit a special $1 per share dividend. At September 29, 2007, the Company has fully complied with these covenants.
Total interest expense was $125.8 million, $50.6 million and $49.6 million in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest related to new construction capitalized in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $5.7 million, $4.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
The fair value of long-term debt, at September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 and based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues where available or by using discounted cash flow analysis, was approximately $1.338 billion and $592.3 million, respectively.
NOTE F – INCOME TAXES
Income (loss) before income taxes after allocation of certain expenses to foreign operations for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $80.0 million, ($19.7) million and $361.1 million, respectively, for U.S. operations and $11.6 million, ($16.6) million and $42.4 million, respectively, for foreign operations. The provisions for income taxes are based on pre-tax financial statement income (loss).
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The components of income tax expense (benefit) are set forth below:
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Current: | | | | | | | | | |
Federal | | $ | (37,191 | ) | | $ | (23,147 | ) | | $ | 117,518 | |
Foreign | | | 1,573 | | | | 5,130 | | | | 3,880 | |
State and other | | | (3,676 | ) | | | (4,523 | ) | | | 14,899 | |
Total current | | | (39,294 | ) | | | (22,540 | ) | | | 136,297 | |
Deferred | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Federal | | | 73,285 | | | | 9,511 | | | | (1,594 | ) |
Foreign | | | (1,637 | ) | | | 10,221 | | | | 4,475 | |
State and other | | | 12,236 | | | | 723 | | | | 113 | |
Total deferred | | | 83,884 | | | | 20,455 | | | | 2,994 | |
Change in valuation allowance | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (747 | ) |
| | $ | 44,590 | | | $ | (2,085 | ) | | $ | 138,544 | |
The following is a reconciliation between the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate:
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
Federal income tax rate | | | 35.0 | % | | | (35.0 | ) % | | | 35.0 | % |
State tax rate, net | | | 2.6 | | | | (0.7 | ) | | | 2.1 | |
Permanent Items | | | 2.9 | | | | | | | | | |
D Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate | | | (0.8 | ) | | | (1.0 | ) | | | (1. 3 | ) |
T Tax credits | | | (8.0 | ) | | | (13.1 | ) | | | (1.1 | ) |
Tax effect of American Jobs Creation Act repatriation | | | -- | | | | 68.3 | | | | 0.6 | |
Currency related differences | | | 3.8 | | | | 8.4 | | | | (1.1 | ) |
Change in contingency reserves | | | 6.8 | | | | (29.7 | ) | | | -- | |
Change in valuation allowance | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (0.2 | ) |
Change in tax rate | | | 3.2 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Other | | | 3.2 | | | | (3.0 | ) | | | 0.3 | |
Total | | | 48.7 | % | | | (5.8 | ) % | | | 34.3 | % |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
(In thousands) | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | | |
Property and equipment | | $ | 256,341 | | | $ | 144,361 | |
Inventories | | | 109,410 | | | | 43,627 | |
Prior use of cash accounting | | | 16,936 | | | | 18,457 | |
Acquisition related items | | | 14,820 | | | | 15,600 | |
Deferred foreign taxes | | | 25,002 | | | | 24,127 | |
Identified intangibles | | | 21,964 | | | | -- | |
Other | | | 58,956 | | | | 36,570 | |
Total deferred tax liabilities | | | 503,429 | | | | 282,742 | |
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | |
Foreign net operating losses | | | 41,257 | | | | 42,683 | |
Expenses deductible in different years | | | 143,697 | | | | 71,478 | |
Total deferred tax asset | | | 184,954 | | | | 114,161 | |
Net deferred tax liabilities | | $ | 318,475 | | | $ | 168,581 | |
The Company has not provided any deferred income taxes on the remaining undistributed earnings of its Mexico subsidiaries based upon its determination that such earnings will be indefinitely reinvested. As of September 29, 2007, the cumulative undistributed earnings of these subsidiaries were approximately $92.0 million. If such earnings were not considered indefinitely reinvested, certain deferred foreign and U.S. income taxes would have been provided, after consideration of estimated foreign tax credits. However, determination of the amount of deferred income taxes is not practical.
The Mexican tax operating loss carryforwards of approximately $147.9 million will expire in the years ranging from 2008 through 2012.
The American Jobs Creation Act was enacted in October 2004 (“Jobs Creation Act”). The Jobs Creation Act includes a temporary incentive to U.S. multinationals to repatriate foreign earnings at an approximate effective 5.25% U.S. federal tax rate. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006, the Company repatriated $155.0 million in previously unremitted untaxed earnings under the provisions of the Jobs Creation Act. The total income tax effects of repatriations under the Jobs Creation Act was $28.2 million, of which $25.8 million was recorded fiscal 2006. The key components of the 2006 provision included domestic income taxes of $10.1 million to reflect federal and state taxes on the transaction, a deferred foreign tax provision of $24.1 million to accrue for future taxes that will result from certain intra-Mexican dividends undertaken in 2006 to complete this transaction, and a benefit of $6.0 million to reflect the revaluation of certain deferred tax assets in Mexico that as a result of the transaction are expected to be realized at higher enacted tax rates.
In October 2007, Mexico’s legislative bodies enacted La Ley del Impuesto Empresarial a Tasa Única (“IETU”), a new minimum corporation tax, which will be assessed on companies doing business in Mexico beginning January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating the
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
anticipated impact that IETU will have on our business and operating results. Because of IETU, there can be no assurance that we will be able to utilize the net operating loss carryovers and other deferred tax benefits generated in Mexico. There can also be no assurance that IETU will not have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
NOTE G – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the period ending September 29, 2007, comprehensive income was $60.9 million, consisting of net income of $47.0 million, unrealized gains related to our investments in debt securities of $0.8 million, to pension liability gains of $7.9 million and unrealized gains on cash flow hedges of $3.4 million. This compares to the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 in which comprehensive loss was $33.7 million, consisting of net loss of $34.2 million and unrealized gains related to our investments in debt securities of $0.5 million. Comprehensive income for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2005 was $265.0 million, consisting of net income of $265.0 million.
Accumulated other comprehensive income at September 29, 2007 was $14.0 million net of taxes of $6.6 million and consisted of pretax adjustments for pension liability gains totaling $14.3 million accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges totaling $5.3 million and accumulated unrealized gain on our investments in debt securities totaling $0.9 million.
NOTE H – SAVINGS AND PENSION PLANS
Retirement Plans
The Company maintains retirement plans for eligible employees as follows:
· | the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan (the “RS Plan”), a Section 401(k) Salary Deferral Plan |
· | the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the “Union Plan”), a defined benefit plan |
· | the To-Rico’s Employee Cash or Deferred Arrangement Profit Sharing Plan (the “To-Rico’s Plan”), a Section 1165(e) Salary Deferral Plan |
· | the legacy Gold Kist Pension Plan (the “GK Pension Plan”), a defined benefit plan acquired with Gold Kist, Inc. |
The Company maintains three postretirement plans for eligible Mexico employees as required by Mexico law which cover primarily termination benefits. Separate disclosure of plan obligations is not considered material.
The RS Plan is maintained for certain eligible U.S. employees. Under the RS Plan, eligible employees may voluntarily contribute a percentage of their compensation and there are various Company matching provisions. The Union Plan covers certain locations or work groups within the Company. The To-Rico’s Plan is maintained for certain eligible Puerto Rican employees. Under the To-Rico’s Plan, eligible employees may voluntarily contribute a percentage of their compensation and there are various Company matching provisions. The GK Pension Plan covers certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that Pilgrim’s Pride acquired in
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
its acquisition of Gold Kist Inc. and participation in the GK Pension Plan was frozen as of February 8, 2007 for all participants with the exception of terminated vested participants who are or may become permanently and totally disabled. The plan was frozen for that group as of March 31, 2007.
Under all of our retirement plans, the Company’s expenses were $10.0 million and $16.0 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively, including the correction of $4.6 million, pretax, as described in Note A.
The Company uses a calendar year measurement date for its defined benefits plans, while its postretirement benefit plans use a fiscal year end of September 29, 2007. Certain disclosures are listed below; other disclosures are not material to the financial statements.
Medical and Life Insurance Plans
The acquisition of Gold Kist by Pilgrim’s Pride resulted in acquiring some postretirement medical and life insurance obligations. In January 2001, Gold Kist began to substantially curtail its programs for active employees. On July 1, 2003, Gold Kist terminated medical coverage for retirees age 65 and older, and only retired employees in the closed group between ages 55 and 65 could continue their coverage at rates above the average cost of the medical insurance plan for active employees. These retired employees will all reach the age of 65 by 2012 and liabilities of the postretirement medical plan will then end.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, and Assumptions
The following table sets forth the plans’ change in benefit obligation, change in plan assets and economic assumptions for the years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006:
| | Pension Benefits | | | Other Postretirement Benefits | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Change in benefit obligation: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year | | $ | 9,882 | | | $ | 8,778 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
Service cost | | | 2,029 | | | | 2,242 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Interest cost | | | 8,455 | | | | 458 | | | | 103 | | | | -- | |
Plan participant contributions | | | 61 | | | | 27 | | | | 681 | | | | -- | |
Actuarial (gains) losses | | | (12,933 | ) | | | (1,533 | ) | | | (41 | ) | | | -- | |
Acquisitions | | | 218,623 | | | | -- | | | | 2,689 | | | | -- | |
Prior service cost (credit) | | | 237 | | | | -- | | | | - | | | | -- | |
Benefits paid | | | (29,551 | ) | | | (90 | ) | | | (1,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Benefit obligation at end of year | | | 196,803 | | | | 9,882 | | | | 2,432 | | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in plan assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | | | 6,252 | | | | 5,405 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Acquisitions | | | 139,229 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Actual return on plan assets | | | 11,571 | | | | 208 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Contributions by employer | | | 10,462 | | | | 702 | | | | 319 | | | | -- | |
Plan participant contributions | | | 61 | | | | 27 | | | | 681 | | | | -- | |
Benefits paid | | | (29,551 | ) | | | (90 | ) | | | (1,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | | | 138,024 | | | | 6,252 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Funded status | | | (58,779 | ) | | | (3,630 | ) | | | (2,432 | ) | | | -- | |
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit) | | | 237 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Unrecognized net (gain) loss | | | (14,824 | ) | | | (818 | ) | | | (41 | ) | | | -- | |
Net (accrued) prepaid expense | | $ | (73,366 | ) | | $ | (4,448 | ) | | $ | (2,473 | ) | | $ | -- | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | 14,587 | | | | -- | | | | 41 | | | | -- | |
Net amount recognized | | $ | (58,779 | ) | | $ | (4,448 | ) | | $ | (2,432 | ) | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Projected benefit obligation | | $ | 196,803 | | | $ | 9,882 | | | $ | 2,432 | | | | -- | |
Accumulated benefit obligation | | | 196,217 | | | | 9,301 | | | | 2,432 | | | | -- | |
Fair value of plan assets | | | 138,024 | | | | 6,252 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation: |
Discount rate | | | 5.06 | % | | | 5.75 | % | | | 5.87 | % | NA |
Rate of increase in compensation levels | | | 3.00 | % | | | 3.00 | % | | NA | | NA |
The health care cost trend rate used to determine the other postretirement benefits obligation at September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 was 8.0% and 8.5%, respectively. The rate will decline ratably to 5.0% by fiscal 2014 and remain at that level thereafter. A 1% increase or decrease would have an insignificant impact on the other postretirement benefit obligation as of September 29, 2007.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table sets forth the plans’ net periodic benefit cost and economic assumptions for the years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006:
| | Pension Benefits | | | Other Postretirement Benefits | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 2,029 | | | $ | 2,242 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
Interest cost | | | 8,455 | | | | 458 | | | | 103 | | | | -- | |
Estimated return on plan assets | | | (8,170 | ) | | | (454 | ) | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Settlement (gain) loss | | | (2,327 | ) | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Net periodic benefit cost (income) | | $ | (13 | ) | | $ | 2,246 | | | | 103 | | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit cost: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | | 5.06 | % | | | 5.25 | % | | | 5.50 | % | | NA | |
Rate of increase in compensation levels | | | 3.00 | % | | | 3.00 | % | | NA | | | NA | |
Expected return on plan assets | | | 7.75 | % | | | 7.75 | % | | | 7.75 | % | | NA | |
A 1% increase or decrease in the health care cost trend rate would have an insignificant impact on the other postretirement service and interest cost components for 2007.
Unrecognized Gain
The following table sets forth the plans’ accumulated other comprehensive income that has not yet been recognized for the year ended September 29, 2007:
(in thousands) | | | |
| | | |
Unrecognized (gain) loss at beginning of period | | $ | (818 | ) |
Curtailment and settlement adjustments | | | 2,327 | |
Actuarial (gain) loss | | | (12,974 | ) |
Asset (gain) loss | | | (3,400 | ) |
Prior service cost (credit) | | | 237 | |
| | $ | (14,628 | ) |
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
Plan Assets
The fair value of plan assets for the Company’s pension plans, along with the asset allocation by category, is shown below:
| Pension Benefits |
| 2007 | | 2006 |
| (in thousands) |
| | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $ | 138,024 | | | $ | 6,252 | |
| | | | | | | |
Asset allocation: | | | | | | | |
Cash and money market funds | | 2 | % | | | 0 | % |
Equity securities | | 71 | % | | | 66 | % |
Debt securities | | 27 | % | | | 34 | % |
Total assets | | 100 | % | | | 100 | % |
Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of the assets for our ongoing pension plans is 25% in debt securities and 75% in equity securities. The plans only invest in debt and equity instruments for which there is a ready public market. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for equity and debt securities of the type in which our plans invest.
Benefit Payments
The expected benefit payments from the Company’s pension and postretirement plans for the fiscal years indicated are as follows:
Expected Benefit Payments for fiscal year: | | | Pension Benefits | | | Other Postretirement Benefits | |
| | | (in thousands) | |
2008 | | | $ | 17,614 | | | $ | 380 | |
2009 | | | | 17,502 | | | | 243 | |
2010 | | | | 17,010 | | | | 205 | |
2011 | | | | 16,230 | | | | 175 | |
2012 | | | | 15,812 | | | | 177 | |
2013-2017 | | | | 62,515 | | | | 889 | |
Total | | | $ | 146,683 | | | $ | 2,069 | |
NOTE I – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim, the Senior Chairman and, through certain related entities, the major stockholder of the Company (collectively, the “major stockholder”) owns an egg laying and a chicken growing operation. In addition, at certain times during the year, the major stockholder may purchase from the Company live chickens and hens and certain feed inventories during the grow-out process and then contract with the Company to resell the birds at maturity using a market-based formula, with price subject to a ceiling price calculated at his cost plus two
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
percent. No purchases have been made by the Company under this agreement since the first quarter of fiscal 2006 when the major stockholder recognized an operating margin of $4,539 on gross amounts paid by the Company to the major stockholder as described below in “Live chicken purchases from major stockholder.” For the fiscal year ended October 1, 2005, the formula resulted in an operating margin of $1,017,000 on gross amounts paid by the Company to the major stockholder.
Transactions with the major stockholders or related entities are summarized as follows:
| | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | |
| | | | | (In thousands) | | | | |
Lease payments on commercial egg property | | $ | 750 | | | $ | 750 | | | $ | 750 | |
Contract grower pay | | | 885 | | | | 976 | | | | 682 | |
Other sales to major stockholder | | | 620 | | | | 747 | | | | 51,258 | |
Live chicken purchases from major stockholder | | | -- | | | | 231 | | | | 50,070 | |
Loan guaranty fees | | | 3,592 | | | | 1,615 | | | | 1,775 | |
Lease payments and operating expenses on airplane | | | 507 | | | | 492 | | | | 536 | |
The Company leases a commercial egg property including all of the ongoing costs of the operation from the Company’s major stockholder. The lease term runs for ten years with a monthly lease payment of $62,500.
A portion of the Company's debt obligations have been guaranteed by Pilgrim Interests, Ltd., an entity related to the Company's Senior Chairman, Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim. In consideration of such guarantees, the Company has Pilgrims Interests, Ltd. a quarterly fee equal to 0.25% of one-half of the average aggregate outstanding balance of such guaranteed debt. During fiscal 2007, we paid $3.6 million to Pilgrim Interests, Ltd.
The Company leases an airplane from its major stockholder under an operating lease agreement that is renewable annually. The terms of the lease agreement require monthly payments of $33,000 plus operating expenses. Lease expense was $396,000 for each of the years 2007, 2006 and 2005. Operating expenses were $111,210, $96,480 and $140,090 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Company maintains depository accounts with a financial institution in which the Company’s major stockholder is also a major stockholder. Fees paid to this bank in 2007, 2006 and 2005 are insignificant, and as of September 29, 2007, the Company had bank balances at this financial institution of approximately $1.8 million.
The major stockholder has deposited $0.3 million with the Company as an advance on miscellaneous expenditures.
A son of the major stockholder sold commodity feed products and a limited amount of other services to the Company aggregating approximately $0.6 million in fiscal 2007. He also leases an insignificant amount of land from the Company.
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
The Company has entered into chicken grower contracts involving farms owned by certain of its officers and directors, providing the placement of Company-owned flocks on their farms during the grow-out phase of production. These contracts are on terms substantially the same as contracts entered into by the Company with unaffiliated parties and can be terminated by either party upon completion of the grow-out of each flock. The aggregate amounts paid by the Company to these officers and directors under these grower contracts during each of the fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 were less than $1 million in total.
NOTE J– COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES
General
We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities is immaterial.
Purchase Obligations
The Company will sometimes enter into non-cancelable contracts to purchase capital equipment and feed ingredients. At September 29, 2007, the Company was party to outstanding purchase contracts totaling $40.1 million. Payments for purchases made under these contracts are due in less than 1 year.
Leases
The Consolidated Statements of Operations include rental expense for operating leases of approximately $54.0 million, $35.1 million and $35.4 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows: 2008 -- $46.8 million; 2009 -- $37.1 million; 2010 -- $28.2 million; 2011 -- $21.0 million; 2012 -- $9.3 million and thereafter $5.0 million.
Certain of the Company’s operating leases include rent escalations. The Company includes the rent escalation in its minimum lease payments obligations and recognizes them as a component of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.
The Company also maintains operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of assets at the end of the term of the lease. The terms of the lease maturities range from one to seven years. The maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is estimated to be approximately $21.1 million; however, the actual amount would be offset by any recoverable amount based on the fair market value of the underlying leased assets. No liability has been recorded related to this contingency as the likelihood of payments under these guarantees is not considered to be probable and the fair value of such guarantees is immaterial. The Company historically has not experienced significant payments under similar residual guarantees.