UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended July 31, 1997 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 or the transition period from ___________ to ____________ Commission File Number 0-11718 Stevia Company, Inc. _____________________ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Illinois 36-2967419 _______________________________ ____________________ (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1940 East Devon Avenue, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 ______________________________________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847) 593-0226 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No _____ _____ Number of shares outstanding of common stock as of the close of the period covered by this report: 32,195,300 Page 1 of 22 pages contained in the sequential numbering system. PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Board of Directors and Shareholders Stevia Company, Inc. Elk Grove Village, Illinois The accompanying balance sheet of STEVIA COMPANY, INC. at July 31, 1997 and the related statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flow for the three month periods ended July 31, 1997 and 1996 were not audited; however, the financial statements for the three months periods ending July 31, 1997 and 1996 reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal reoccurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide a fair statement of the results of operations for the interim period presented. The financial statements for the year ended April 30, 1997 were not audited pursuant to Rule 210.3-11 promulgated under Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; however, the financial statements for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997 reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal reoccurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide a fair statement of the results of operations for the fiscal year presented. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. September 16, 1997 STEVIA COMPANY, INC. BALANCE SHEET ASSETS July 31, 1997 April 30, 1997 Unaudited Unaudited _____________ _____________ CURRENT ASSETS Cash 821 6,574 Accounts Receivables-other 9,048 9,668 Inventories 25,323 25,323 Prepaid Expenses 422 5 _____________ ______________ Total Current Assets 35,614 41,570 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Notes 1 and 3) Land 1,127 1,127 Furniture and Equipment 44,750 44,750 Building 483,200 483,200 Idle Equipment 121,728 121,728 _____________ ______________ 650,805 650,805 Less: Accumulated Depreciation (102,737) (98,902) _____________ ______________ 548,068 551,903 _____________ ______________ OTHER ASSETS Patents, Net of Amortization 12,725 13,115 Investment in Affiliated Company (Note 5) - - ____________ ______________ 596,407 606,588 ____________ ______________ ------------ -------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable 33,139 43,849 Notes Payable-Officer (Notes 4 and 6) 2,588 7,588 Due to Affiliates (Note 4) 358,991 349,286 Accrued Executive Compensation 124,524 124,524 Deferred Rent 310 309 Accrued Expenses 9,539 6,597 ___________ ______________ Total Current Liabilities 529,091 532,153 ___________ ______________ ----------- -------------- NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Tenant Security Deposit 3,245 3,245 ___________ ______________ COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5, 9 and 10) - - ___________ ______________ SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 4 and 7) Common Stock, No Par Value, 100,000,000 Shares Authorized as of April 30, 1997 and July 31, 1997; Issued 32,195,300 Shares at April 30, 1997 and July 31, 1997 2,088,001 2,088,001 Additional Paid in Capital 100 100 Accumulated Deficit (2,024,030) (2,016,911) ____________ ______________ 64,071 71,190 _____________ _____________ 596,407 606,588 ____________ ______________ ------------ -------------- <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Unaudited Three Months Ended July 31, ___________________________ 1997 1996 ____________ ______________ REVENUES Sales - - COST OF SALES - - ____________ ______________ Gross Profit (Loss) - - OPERATING EXPENSES Marketing - 28 Research and Development 390 390 General and Administrative 13,178 13,350 ____________ _____________ 13,568 13,768 ____________ _____________ Loss From Operations (13,568) (13,768) ____________ ______________ OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSE) Rental Income 6,449 5,954 _____________ ______________ 6,449 5,954 NET LOSS (7,119) ( 7,814) _____________ ______________ ------------- -------------- NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE (Note 8) (.001) (.001) _____________ ______________ WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 32,195,300 32,195,300 _____________ ______________ ------------- -------------- <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 1997 Unaudited Total Additional Share- Common Stock Paid-in holders' Shares Amount Capital (Deficit) Equity __________ __________ _________ ___________ ________ BALANCE May 1, 1997 32,195,300 2,088,001 100 (2,016,911) 71,190 NET INCOME (LOSS) - - - ( 7,119) (7,119) ___________ ___________ _________ ____________ ______ BALANCE, July 31, 1997 32,195,300 2,088,001 100 (2,024,030) 64,071 ___________ __________ _________ ___________ ________ ----------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------- <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements STEVIA COMPANY, INC. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW Unaudited Three Months Ended July 31, _________________________ 1997 1996 _________________________ OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Loss ( 7,119) ( 7,814) Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) to Net Cash Used by Operating Activities: Depreciation and Amortization 4,225 4,225 Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities: (Increase) Decrease in Receivables 620 - (Increase) Decrease in Inventories repaid Expenses ( 417) ( 449) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses ( 7,767) 3,850 Increase (Decrease) in Due to Affiliates (Note 4) 9,705 4,707 _____________ ___________ Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities ( 753) 4,519 _____________ ___________ INVESTING ACTIVITIES: (Increased) Decrease in Furniture and Equipment - ( 15) ------------- ----------- Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities - ( 15) ------------- ----------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds From (Repayments of) Notes (Note 6) ( 5,000) - _____________ ___________ Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities ( 5,000) - _____________ ___________ Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents ( 5,753) 4,504 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 6,574 1,431 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period 821 5,935 -------------- ----------- <FN> The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Inventories - Harvested crop inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by actual specific production cost) or market value (less estimated cost of disposal). Components of inventories are as follows: July 31, 1997 April 30, 1997 _____________ ______________ Seeds 18,361 18,361 Leaves 6,962 6,962 _____________ ______________ $ 25,323 $ 25,323 _____________ ______________ ------------- -------------- Research and Development, and Patents - Research and development expenditures, including depreciation of laboratory equipment, are charged to operations as incurred. The costs of obtaining patents, primarily legal fees, are capitalized and amortized over seventeen years on the straight-line method. Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed, primarily on the straight-line and accelerated methods, over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expenses as incurred; renewals and betterments which significantly extend the useful lives of existing property and equipment are capitalized. 2. Company Organization and Description: Stevia Company, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois on November 22, 1976. The Company was organized primarily to engage in the business of developing and manufacturing natural products, including sweeteners, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. 3. Property and Equipment: In 1986, the Company completed construction of a building for a sweetener production facility in Pueblo, Colorado on a parcel of land (25 acres) acquired by the Company. The net price for construction of the building was $483,200. The Company also purchased certain equipment for its processing facility. Completion of the processing facility was terminated in 1987 due to lack of funds. See Footnote 11. On September 1, 1993, the Company entered into a three-year lease for its Pueblo, Colorado facility with an unaffiliated third party. The tenant was granted two one-year options and a first right of refusal to purchase the Pueblo, Colorado facility in the event the Company sells or otherwise disposes of the facility. The lease provides for base rent of $19,473 for the first two years, $20,466 for the third year, $22,394 for the first option year and $23,264 for the second option year. 4. Related Party Transactions: The Company was indebted to affiliated companies as follows: July 31, April 30, 1997 1997 _________ _________ F.K. Suzuki International, Inc. $ 70,412 $ 70,412 Biosynergy, Inc. $ 288,579 $ 278,874 _________ _________ Totals $ 358,991 $ 349,286 _________ _________ --------- --------- The amount due to F.K. Suzuki International, Inc. is the net license fees due under an irrevocable exclusive license agreement with F.K. Suzuki International, Inc. described in Note 9, less certain prepayments and discounts with regard to such license agreement. The Company shares common offices with Biosynergy, Inc. Each company has incurred certain shared office expenses which have been allocated to the other company. The Company a net payable of $288,579 at July 31, 1997 as compared to a net payable of $278,874 at April 30, 1997. The Company and its affiliates are related through Common Stock ownership as follows on July 31, 1997. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. (Continued) S T O C K O F A F F I L I A T E S ___________________________________________________ F.K. Suzuki Stevia Biosynergy International Medlab Stock Owner Company Inc. Inc. Inc. ___________ ________ __________ _____________ ______ Stevia Company, Inc. - 13.8% - - Biosynergy, Inc. .4% - - - F.K. Suzuki International, Inc. 55.8% 18.8% - 100.0% Medlab, Inc. - - - - Fred K. Suzuki, Officer/ - - 35.6% - Director Lauane C. Addis, Officer/ .1% .1% 32.7% - Director James F. Schembri, .2% 12.9% - - Director On July 7, 1983, Biosynergy, Inc. (an affiliated company) successfully completed a public offering. As part of this public offering the Company exchanged 1,058,181 shares of its Common Stock for 2,000,000 shares of Biosynergy, Inc.'s Common Stock. The Common Stock of the Company had no book value at the time of the exchange; thus no dollar value was assigned to the transaction. The Company sold 100,000 of these shares. Although Biosynergy, Inc.'s Common Stock can be traded in the over-the-counter market, there is no established public trading market for such Common Stock due to limited and sporadic trades. In June, 1993, Fred K. Suzuki, President of the Company, advance including legal fees, of settling a lawsuit. The Company shares offices in Elk Grove Village, Illinois with Biosynergy, Inc. The master lease for these offices, which expires January 31, 2001, is in the name of Biosynergy, Inc. The total annual base rent for these premises is $60,500.00 for 1 year, $68,199.96 for years 2 and 3, and $69,300.00 for years 4 and 5. The Company's portion is $9,075.00 for year 1, $10,230.00 for years 2 and 3, and $10,395.00 for years 4 and 5. 6. Notes Payable: Notes Payable - Officer consists of the following: . an unsecured note dated July 1, 1993 in the original amount of $7,588 payable to Fred K. Suzuki, President. The note is due on demand and bears interest at 10% per annum. The principal balance due at July 31, 1997 is $2,588. 7. Shareholders' Equity: The authorized capital stock of Stevia Company is one hundred million (100,000,000) shares of no par value Common Stock and one hundred thousand (100,000) shares of $100 par value Preferred Stock. The preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and special or relative rights in respect to the Preferred Stock are to be determined by the Board of Directors at the time of their issuance, subject to limitations set forth in the amended articles of incorporation. As of April 30, 1997 and July 31, 1997, no shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding. On November 1, 1989, the Company's Secretary, Lauane C. Addis, and President, Fred K. Suzuki, agreed to forego their salaries in exchange for an option to purchase 83,333 shares of the Company's no par value common stock for each month they forfeited their salary at an option price of $.025 per share. Accrual of these options was terminated effective STEVIA COMPANY, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7. (Continued) April 30, 1991. These options may be exercised until one year after the respe due at October 31, 1989, the optionee's salary is reinstated, or the optionee is no longer employed by the Company, whichever is later. As of July 31, 1997, none of these options have been exercised and a total of 2,999,988 shares are subject to the options. These options provide for adjustments to prevent dilution in the event of capital reorganizations. Mr. Suzuki was granted an option to convert all or a portion of his deferred compensation into shares of the Company's no par value common stock at a conversion rate of $.025 of deferred compensation per share. Conversion can only occur in the event the Company has sufficient liquid assets to pay all employee taxes due upon issuance of the shares. A total of 1,448,917 shares have been reserved for Mr. Suzuki's option. No portion of the option has been exercised as of July 31, 1997. The option provides for adjustments to prevent dilution in the event of capital reorganizations. 8. Income (Loss) per share: Net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period, after giving effect to stock splits. The effect of exercise of stock options has not been presented as exercise would be anti-dilutive. 9. Agreements, Licenses and Options: The Company entered into an irrevocable exclusive license agreement with F.K. Suzuki International, Inc., parent of the Company, in 1983. For an annual fee of $75,000, payable beginning in January of 1987, the Company received certain patent and other rights owned by F.K. Suzuki International, Inc. Effective May 1, 1988, the license agreement was amended to provide for a royalty payment of 3% of revenues derived from the licensed technology in lieu of a set fee. There was no fee incurred during the three month period ending July 31, 1997. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10. Income Taxes: There is no provision for income taxes in the accompanying financial statements due to the Company's net operating loss position. At April 30, 1997, net operating loss carryforwards are available and expire, if not used, as follows: 1996 51,092 1997 292,440 1998 224,075 1999 167,356 2000 302,320 2001 423,843 2002 389,355 2003 328,154 2004 189,389 2005 133,704 2006 74,264 2007 73,470 2008 49,568 2009 119,410 2010 55,831 2011 33,519 2012 37,407 __________ $3,064,297 __________ ---------- The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" Due to the historical and continued net operating losses of the Company, Statement 109 has no material effect, if any, on the Company's Financial Statements. The Company has elected not to retroactively adopt the provisions allowed in SFAS NO.109; however, all provisions of the document have been applied since the beginning of fiscal year 1994. 11. Management's Plans: In view of the fact that the Company has incurred losses of $37,407, $33,519 and $55,831 for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively, management of the Company recognizes the ability of the Company to continue is contingent upon the Company obtaining financing so it can commence operations or acquire alternative operations. Before the Company can realize material operating revenues from its proposed operations, the Company must equip and commence operations of a processing facility. The cost of equipping a processing facility is significant, and therefore the Company's main objective has been to obtain such financing. Although the Company will continue to seek financing for its proposed operations, the Company will also pursue alternatives, such as licensing its technology, selling Stevia Company or its assets, or combining Stevia 14 Company with another enterprise. Although no agreements have been entered into for consummating any such transaction, management of the Company believes such a transaction may be possible in the future. 12. Unaudited Financial Statements: The Company's Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997 were not audited pursuant to Rule 210.3-11 of Regulation SX promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which provides that an inactive entity need not submit audited financial statements with reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. An inactive entity is defined as an entity not having gross receipts from all sources and expenditures for all purposes in excess of $100,000 each, which has not purchased or sold any of its own stock, granted options therefore, or levied any assessments against outstanding stock during the applicable fiscal year, which has had no material change in business, including any material acquisitions or dispositions of assets, and which is not required to publish audited financial statements by any exchange or governmental authority having jurisdiction. In the opinion of Management, the Company met the criteria of an inactive entity for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1997. 15 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND _______________________________________________________________ RESULTS OF OPERATIONS _____________________ SALES/REVENUES ______________ The Company had no sales during the quarter ending July 31, 1997 ("1st Quarter"). The Company did not produce rebaudioside A or other products on a commercial basis during the 1st Quarter, and was not expected to have sales. After commencement of commercial operations, Management continues to believe that a market for its Stevia products could be developed. During the quarter ending July 31, 1997, the Company realized rental income of $6,449 from leasing its Pueblo, Colorado facility as a result of a tenant first right of refusal upon the sale of other disposition of the Pueblo facility and provides for two one-year options. The first one-year option term expires August 31, 1997. The lease provides for rent of $22,394 for the first option year and $23,264 for the second option year. COSTS AND EXPENSES __________________ The overall operating expenses of the Company decreased by $200 during the 1st Quarter as compared to the same quarter ending in 1996. Most of the current expenses are overhead and general and administration items required to maintain the Company. It is not anticipated that the expenses of the Company will materially change until the Company receives financing or commences alternative operations. NET LOSS ________ The Company realized a net loss of $7,119 in the 1st Quarter as compared to a net loss of $7,814 in the comparative quarter in 1996. The Company's continuing losses are due to the lack of operating revenues, which will continue until such time as the Company produces its sweeteners and other products for sale or can obtain alternative revenues. See "LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES" below. As of April 30, 1997, the Company has incurred net operating losses aggregating $3,064,297. There is no provision for income taxes in the Financial Statements due to the Company's net operating loss position. Furthermore, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 will not materially alter the Company's net operating loss carryforward position, and the net operating loss carryforwards will be available and expire, if not used, as set forth in Footnote 10 to the Financial Statements for the 1st Quarter. See "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS." ASSETS/LIABILITY RATIO ______________________ The ratio of current assets to current liabilities (.07 to 1) is not acceptable taking into consideration the Company's cash flow position. The Company's current assets consist primarily of inventory. It is unknown how much inventory the Company can sell, if any. The Company is not producing inventory and there can be no assurance of long-term revenues, if any. The inventory consists primarily of Stevia leaves, which have been grown and harvested by the Company for use in its initial processing operations or for sale, and seeds which can be used for growing more leaves. See "LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES" below. 16 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's net working capital decreased by $2,894 during the 1st Quarter. The Company's negative net working capital is due to the continuing losses of the Company. The Company had $821 in cash and $9,048 in receivables at July 31, 1997. Management of the Company believes this amount is insufficient to provide working capital for the ensuing quarter. The Company does not have, nor does it anticipate obtaining in the near future, a working line of credit. The Company's ability to generate cash adequate to meet its future needs depends upon its ability to obtain financing for the purpose of beginning revenue producing operations. In the event the Company is unable to obtain financing, management will seek out alternatives, such as licensing the Company's technology, selling the Company or its assets, leasing the Company's Pueblo facility, or combining the Company with other businesses. The Company and an affiliate, Biosynergy, Inc. ("BSI"), share office space, and as a result, share certain expenses. Both companies account to each other on an on-going basis for these shared expenses. The resulting payable as of April 30, 1997 was $278,874 and $288,579 as of July 31, 1997. The amounts due to BSI reflect on-going transactions in the ordinary course of business and do not represent any extraordinary transactions. Expense salary for common employees and related benefits, payroll overhead, utilities, and certain legal expenses. Management of the Company more economical to share these expenses with BSI, and will likely continue to do so in the near future. However, there is no assurance BSI will be in a position or agree to continue to extend credit to the Company for these shared expenses. On September 1, 1993, the Company entered into a three-year lease for its Pueblo, Colorado facility with an unaffiliated third party. The tenant was granted two one-year options and a first right of refusal to purchase the Pueblo, Colorado facility in the event the Company sells or otherwise disposes of the facility. The lease provides for base rent of $19,473 for the first two years, $20,466 for the third year, $22,394 for the first option year and $23,264 for the second option year. See "SALES/REVENUES" above. The proceeds from leasing such facility are used to offset expenses of the facility and to cover a portion of the general and administrative expenses of the Company. However, the cash flow from leasing the facility in Pueblo is not expected to be sufficient to cover all of the expenses of the Company for the ensuing year, and furthermore, there can be no assurance the Company will be able to continue leasing its facility. In this regard, the lesee of the facility has exercised its option to extend the lease for the final option year. However, the lessee is in default in the payment of rent and other charges under the lease, and there can be no assurance such defaults will be cured and the lease continued. The Company owns 1,900,000 shares of BSI common stock. Such common stock can be traded in the over-the-counter market and stock prices are recorded on "pink sheets." The bid price at July 31, 1997 was estimated to be $.01 per share. Although the Company is free to currently sell these shares of Biosynergy, Inc. common stock, it does not have plans to do so in the near future. See Footnote 4 of the "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS." 17 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ___________________________ Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. _________________________________ A. The following Exhibits are included herein pursuant to Section 601: (3) (a) Articles of Incorporation (i) (b) By-Laws (ii) (10) Material Contracts. (a) Lease Agreement, dated September 1, 1993, between the Company and Pacific Aero Manufacturing, Inc. (iii) (b) Promissory Note dated July 1, 1993 payable to Fred K. Suzuki in the amount of $7,587.75. (iii) (11) Statement regarding computation of per share earnings - none. (15) Letter dated September 16, 1997, regarding interim financial information. (iv) (18) Letter regarding change in accounting principals - none. (19) Reports furnished to security holders - none. (22) Published report regarding matters submitted to vote of security holders - none. (23) Consents of experts and counsel - none. (24) Power of Attorney - none. (27) Financial Data Schedule. P. E-1 B. No Current Reports on Form 8K were filed during the period covered by this Report. _________________________ [FN] (i) Incorporated by reference to a Registration Statement filed on Form S-18 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, 1933 Act, Registration Number 2-87364C, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and incorporated by reference, to the extent of Articles of Amendment, to Form 10K for Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 1986 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (ii) Incorporated by reference to Form 10K for Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 1987 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (iii) Incorporated by reference to Form 10K for Fiscal Year ending April 30, 1994 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 18 (iv) This Exhibit is included in this report as a part of the Financial Statements, and is incorporated by reference herein. 19 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements 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. STEVIA COMPANY, INC. Date September 18,1997 /s/ FRED K. SUZUKI /s/ --------------------------------- Fred K. Suzuki President, Chairman of the Board, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer Date September 18,1997 /s/ LAUANE C. ADDIS /s/ -------------------------------- Lauane C. Addis Secretary, Corporate Counsel and Director ___________________________________________________________________________ 20 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10Q Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the period ending July 31, 1997 Commission File Number: 0-11718 STEVIA COMPANY, INC. _________________________________________________________________ (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 1940 East Devon Avenue Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 (847) 956-0471 (Address and telephone number of registrant's principal executive office on a principal place of business) __________________________________ EXHIBITS ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ EXHIBIT INDEX _____________ Page Number Pursuant to Sequential Exhibit Numbering Number Exhibit System ___________ _______ __________ 27 Financial Data Schedule E-1