UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission File Number 033-89714
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada 84-1120614
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)
incorporation or organization)
2010 Commerce Drive, Red Oak, Iowa 51566
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(712) 623-9224
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
(title of class)
Common Stock
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the issuer's voting stock held as of April 14,
2000 by non-affiliates of the issuer was $6,276,474.
As of April 14, 2000, the Registrant had 16,019,165 shares of the Registrant's
Common Stock issued and outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference: none
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements. Any
statements in this Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact shall be
considered to be forward-looking statements. All statements which address
operating performance, events, or developments that the Company expects or
anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to volume
growth, revenues, or statements expressing general optimism regarding future
operating results are by their nature forward-looking statements. The
forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management's then current
views and assumptions regarding events and operating performance. The following
are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from estimates contained in the Company's forward-looking statements.
Important Risk Factors
o Reliance on contract processors incurs risk that those processors
could fail to function, damaging the Company's ability to do
business.
o The Company's pricing benchmarks are tied to the commodity market,
therefore, there is risk of the prices providing an inadequate gross
margin.
o The risk of the Company being unable to obtain sufficient funding.
o The risk of the Company being unable to sustain relationships with
suppliers and retailers as they could go out of business, or sell or
purchase the products elsewhere for a variety of reasons many of
which are beyond the Company's control.
ITEM 1. Business
OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. ("the
Company") was founded for the purpose of creating a vertically integrated
business enterprise to market and sell Red Oak Farms' premium branded products
and other quality synergistic products including procuring, producing,
processing, marketing, and distributing. Red Oak Farms, Inc. (ROF), a wholly
owned subsidiary, has initially been establishing market share and a customer
base through the marketing, distribution, and promotion of Red Oak Farms'
Certified Hereford Beef ("CHB"). The CHB name, logo, and program were created by
and are the property of the American Hereford Association ("AHA"). The Premium
Hereford Beef ("PHB") name, logo, and program are the property of Red Oak
Hereford Farms, Inc. During the fourth quarter of 1999 the AHA authorized
procurement, harvest and sales of CHB product that competes with the Company's
CHB program. In response, Red Oak Farms immediately executed its plan to
increase its own brand equity by changing its fresh boxed beef product to "Red
Oak Farms' Premium Hereford Beef." As a result, the Company lost some customers,
staff and approximately one half of its fresh beef volume during this
transition. Management is attempting to restore the lost volume through the
efforts and trade contacts of its contracted sales organizations, specifically
REW Marketing (through its HL Jackson Division), and Red Oak Farms Northeast
Service Center. This plan contemplates bringing specific accounts onto the Red
2
Oak Farms' Premium Hereford Beef program. In fact, the initial group has already
begun using Premium Hereford Beef in their stores on a test basis and will phase
into complete adoption of PHB, based upon market acceptance, which includes
verification of the positive attributes of the products. Specifically, these are
superior taste, tenderness, juiciness and extended shelf appearance from the
anti-oxidation effects of our Vitamin E supplemented feed regimen.
Red Oak Farms' Premium Hereford Beef, a premium, branded, beef-product,
capitalizes on the consistent consuming qualities inherent in Hereford and
Hereford British based cattle, bred for centuries specifically for the eating
quality of their beef. In addition, the program was designed to ensure the
unique, premium, quality of PHB through a combination of United States
Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and Company monitoring of cattle genetics,
feeding, harvest, and fabrication. The Company harvests and fabricates qualified
cattle at its contract packing plant and then sells its fresh, frozen, and
further processed beef through traditional retail, food service, and other
channels. The Company also continues some residual CHB production for one key
account, Hen House Stores of Kansas City.
ROF now seeks to market a selected variety of gourmet food products in
North America, Europe and Asia. To this end, the Company, in 1999, concluded
arrangements with International Trading Partners, LLC, to market "Royal Salmon
of Norway," seafood products and continues to seek other sources of gourmet food
items from both the United States and Europe, which complement its premium beef
product line. The Company is taking these steps, at least in part, as a reaction
to the loss of customers and revenue from the fresh beef branding transition
described above. It is our belief that by expanding into other gourmet food
products we will broaden our base sufficiently so as to protect against a
similar occurrence. These products will be marketed primarily through the
existing customer base, food service, hospitality and direct sales activities of
the Company.
The Company was originally incorporated in 1989 and began its current
business in 1997 with the acquisition of its cattle and branded beef operations.
Branded Beef Products
The Company, through ROF, slaughters, fabricates, and further processes
Premium Hereford Beef. The Company also plans to acquire and process products,
along with its beef, to produce convenience meals. Examples of these are: ROF
Premium Beef precooked products, frozen ground chuck patties, additional
precooked offerings, beef jerky and sticks and other items designed to reduce
consumer shopping and preparation time.
The Company's branded PHB sales come primarily from the following
categories: fresh boxed beef in traditional primals such as short loins, ribs,
chucks, rounds, etc., frozen boxed primals, primarily for export, and portion
controlled beef for food service and mail order. The Company receives a premium
to the commodity beef market price for these branded products. Some products are
sold into the commodity market due to lack of demand for those particular
products from "branded" customers. The Company acquires qualified cattle based
on a pricing formula for the carcass, which is applied after setting an initial
price at the top of the commodity cattle market. This formula values the carcass
according to a set of criteria including fat cover measurement, USDA quality
grade (select and choice), and disqualifies carcasses which are unsuitable due
to having more than 1.1 inch of back fat, USDA standard quality grade
3
(inadequate finish), dark cutters, "B" and "C" maturity (too old), and other
issues. The Company's branded prices are then set at a premium to the commodity
beef prices. This relationship between the commodity base of "raw material" and
"finished product" prices known as the "cut out" moves according to supply and
demand and other issues in the commodity beef industry. The Company, therefore,
remains subject to the "cut out", which due to concentration and averaging by
the major packers occasionally dips into a negative gross margin. The Company
has procedures in place to disconnect from this commodity structure and increase
the prices it receives through its retail supermarket, food service, value-added
and direct sales programs. It is now incumbent on its reorganized sales team to
do so.
Cattle Procurement. Midland Cattle Company ("Midland"), a wholly owned
subsidiary, is in the business of identifying, sourcing, purchasing and
reselling feeder and fed cattle. Midland is primarily responsible for developing
the supply of PHB and CHB for ROF and the Red Oak procurement program and serves
as the agent for fed cattle destined for the Red Oak program.
Midland personnel establish the base price for which ROF assigns price
values for each carcass using a grid formula based on hot carcass weight and
quality and yield grade factors. Midland also has primary responsibility for the
maintenance of ROF's cattle on feed records and in maintaining the quality,
type, and marketing timeliness of PHB program cattle. Midland also deals in
commodity cattle of all types, and since the inception of the Red Oak program
has specialized in sourcing, procuring and selling qualified feeder cattle to
participating feedlots located primarily in Iowa and Nebraska.
The Company has moved to concentrate more on branded consumer product
marketing and less on cattle trading. The gross revenue generated by the trading
is substantial but the small margins available have led the Company to refocus
some of Midland's personnel by moving them into ROF to assist with the
procurement function. Midland will continue to place cattle in ROF's supply
channel and engage in some non-PHB cattle trade.
Red Oak Feeders, LLC ("Feeders"), a wholly owned subsidiary, was formed
to develop a supply of qualified cattle. The Company places cattle on feed
through Feeders to provide an adequate inventory to supply PHB customers. In
1999, these cattle lost money for the Company because of market conditions and
some transactions initiated in 1998 and closed in 1999. The Company is required
to have beef inventory in order to provide its customers an uninterrupted
supply. Using this inventory held by Feeders, the Company is able to sustain
market presence while creating a reputation for reliability and sustaining a
credible track record. Management plans to limit exposure to cattle market
fluctuations by continuing to organize producers and creating incentives for
participation in the program. Regardless of the Company's participation in
cattle feeding, it believes that its procurement capacity will provide secure
qualified supplies to meet the demand for PHB.
Harvest and Processing. Cattle from all over the United States that
have been identified in the field as genetically qualified for the Company's PHB
program are brought into the Midwest to be fed primarily within a 200 mile
radius of the contract packing plant in Omaha, Nebraska. Qualified cattle are
delivered to the packing plant where Company and USDA personnel approve them
prior to slaughter. Company personnel monitor the harvest, breaking,
fabrication, and boxing processes. Primals are placed in Red Oak Farms' boxes
and aged in a refrigerated public warehouse. Occasionally, beef is frozen for
4
the export market or to build inventory for mail order or future sale. The Red
Oak Farms' products are then released for shipment in refrigerated public
carriers to customers by Red Oak Farms' personnel. Hides, offal, and some trim
are sold back to the packing plant. The agreement with the contract processor
provides capacity of a minimum and maximum number of cattle to be harvested per
week. It is inspected, approved, and audited by USDA and monitored by Company
personnel as part of the Company's total quality management plan and PHB program
specifications.
Sales. Throughout the life of both the CHB and then PHB programs,
consistent sales of a broad product mix and recruitment of new retail
supermarket accounts that can effectively operate the program has been a
challenge. During the fourth quarter of 1999, the Company lost a good portion of
its in-house sales force, in part due to the changeover from the CHB program,
and replaced it by contracting with H.L. Jackson and Associates, a division of
REW Marketing, Inc. ("REW"). REW has successfully created and administered
programs with major branded food companies. REW will operate a full-scale
marketing and sales effort in the mass and club format stores. REW has
contracted with Marketing Specialists, Inc. to manage sales efforts in the
conventional retail supermarket industry. The Company will expand market
presence and sales of PHB and other ROF products through brand identity and
traditional marketing methods. These methods include direct calls on potential
distributors, retail supermarket and food service customers, advertising and
promotion activities, provision of feature items, point of sale material, and
training of store personnel. In-house sales personnel and distributors also
participate in the sales, service, and follow-up function. The Company sells its
beef at a premium to the commodity beef market because of the higher cost of the
cattle and the higher quality and value of the Company's products. Beef has
rarely been marketed like other consumer products. Independent research and
Company experience have shown that certain consumers will pay more for
consistently tender, tasty, and juicy beef. In the past, the Company strategy
brought retail supermarket customers on at less than full branded price. The
price was then increased to full branded as the retail supermarket and its
consumers realized the value of the product, i.e., reduced shrink (markdown due
to discoloration) reduced trim, consistent tenderness, tastiness, and juiciness,
and consumer demand. This process required approximately three to twelve months.
Presently, depending upon product mix and volume, new stores are brought on at
full or near full branded price. The Company expects price resistance to
diminish somewhat as customers experience the benefits which should allow the
Company to receive higher premiums and increase gross margins. It is
management's intention to market the Company's products at the highest value and
premium price through the most beneficial channels of marketing and sales.
Customers of ROF consist primarily of quality and value-oriented
up-scale retail supermarket stores, food-service outlets, high-end restaurants
and export accounts. To support this customer base, the Company is adding the
personnel and systems to manage the orderly processing, marketing and sales of
product lines. Using and expanding this mix of customer classes, the Company
continually strives to market and sell its PHB in a way that maximizes carcass
utilization. The ideal customer mix is a cross-section of retail, food service,
export, and direct sale customers that purchase different carcass product mixes.
This main component of the Company's business has begun to place new emphasis on
marketing through a broadened product mix; Precooked Products, "My Favorite
Jerky", Beef Sticks and Seafood, as well as improved point of purchase, beef
counter organization, further processed products and advanced labeling as to
cooking methods and recipes. These efforts are consistent with management's plan
to increase gross margin by improved marketing for the entire Company.
5
Branded Beef Industry and Competition. The Company is a "branded"
consumer product marketing company with PHB as its lead product. Branded or
private label beef and other products have been in existence in one form or
another for about as long as the packing and retailing industries. However,
breed specific programs have developed primarily in the last decade with the
American Angus Association's Certified Angus Beef(R) Program ("CAB") leading the
field in sales.
The most widely recognized branded beef product, CAB, is the largest
competitor of the Company, although other private label branded beef producers
are also competitors. Some of these competitors have been in existence far
longer than the Company, are better capitalized and have access to financial and
marketing resources superior to those available to the Company. However,
management believes that none of their competitors have as consistently tender,
tasty, and juicy beef products as PHB.
In the direct sales arena, "Omaha Steaks", has created a large market
for its mail order beef and other food items. "Omaha Steaks" has a large
well-established customer base and while offering formidable competition, they
validate the potential in the mail order beef business.
"Laura's Lean" is another branded beef competitor which sells a very
lean mix of beef and is offering a branded full case program to the retail
supermarket industry.
In the consumer products area, Hormel and Harris Ranch are the main
competition to our pre-cooked items, Jack Links and Oberto in the jerky category
and a myriad of Nova Scotian, Scottish, Alaskan, and other salmon / seafood
imports versus our Norwegian seafood program.
Red Oak Farms' Value-Adding
The Company devoted new emphasis to value-adding research and
development, and implementation of further processing, packaging and creative
marketing during 1999. Customers have requested certain value-added products
which the Company is proceeding to produce. Gross margins in many beef products
can be increased through these processes. The branded beef business becomes a
supplier for the value-adding further processing. Cuts which are difficult to
include in the branded product mix can be utilized at branded or near branded
price, and then demand a strong margin in the value-added arena.
Precooked Products. The Company plans to eventually offer ten or more
precooked consumer packaged beef products, some of which may be packed with
other microwave-ready products for combination meals. Product development, which
began in early 1999, is now complete and production underway for four
microwaveable precooked products; "Family Size" 16 oz. Pot Roast, four
individual servings (6 oz.) Pot Roast (24 oz. per package), Barbecued Beef Ribs
(16 oz.), and a 16 oz. Tri-Tip (sirloin) roast. These initial four precooked
products received preliminary approval at two of the largest retail supermarket
operations during 1999, and they are now in production. Both Pot Roasts and the
Barbecued Ribs won the "Best of Show" Award for 2000 from the American Tasting
Institute. The Company has contracts with cooking-packaging operations in Omaha
and Chicago, and is negotiating with two others. Management believes that these
products have excellent volume potential and can "open doors" for other ROF
lines.
6
Packaged Beef Products. The Company has continued to monitor
development of case ready packaging and has evaluated two contract case-ready
plants. The largest retail chain in the United States and largest packer have
recently announced collaboration toward that end. Demand among ROF's current
customer base should assure an opportunity to bring these products to the market
and begin to meet demand from other customers. Portion control and
shrink-wrapping beef for the food service and mail order enterprises is both
packaging and the first level of "further processing" because of trimming the
product.
Further Processed Beef Products. Further processing means fresh or
frozen boxed beef undergoes value enhancing "processes" like cutting, complete
or partial cooking, convenient portion packaging, and combining with other food
products. During the last half of 1998, the Company introduced My Favorite
Jerky, ("MFJ") which leads the Company's entry into the shelf stable, branded,
consumer product market with this high protein, natural style beef jerky.
Unfortunately, due to limited working capital and staff constraints, "My
Favorite Jerky" failed to achieve substantial distribution in 1999. Unsuccessful
sales attempts required absorbing not only production and development costs
during 1999, but also a significant writedown of expired inventory. As a result
of these events, this product line contributed significantly to the 1999
operating losses.
Efforts in trade sales activities, including tradeshows, customer
calls, and event promotions, and sampling programs were often costly, however,
the Company believes that the continuing exposure was valuable. REW is now
working to secure commitments from two of the largest snack food distributors in
the United States, as well as one regional and one national "mass retail"
account. Broadening its meat snack line into the popular "meat stick" portion of
the snack category the Company completed test runs at its co-packer in December
of 1999. Subsequently, marketing efforts are underway. While the start up has
been expensive and slow, as a part of the growing meat snack business, the
growth prospects combine with excellent margins to make MFJ a potential profit
center for the Company. MFJ is contract processed and packaged using a
proprietary formula and is free of nitrates, added MSG, and artificial
preservatives. Both MFJ and meat sticks have elicited good interest from
distributors and acceptance by consumers. Other further process value-adding
activities include cooking, stuffing, and other pre-preparation techniques which
respond to the consumer demand for convenience and quality. This value-adding
segment of the business benefits also from the Company's access to other goods
for use in the value-added business.
Certain financial information about company segments is required for
the last three fiscal years, including revenue, operating losses, and
identifiable assets. The Company has four reportable segments: boxed beef,
cattle trading, cattle feeding, and beef jerky. See note 14 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Red Oak Farms' Import-Export
The Company's Korean export business has had strong sales in 1999,
relative to 1998, amounting to approximately 7% of total boxed beef sales.
Distribution into other Pacific Rim countries continues to be developed by an
import-export distributor in business with the Company, however, the process is
slow in this part of the world. The Company plans to supply beef for export to
Europe through its European Division and has a European Union (EU) approved
contract packer and systems to supply the beef products currently in place.
7
However, certain EU policies place prohibitive conditions on this business
presently, including prohibition of beef from hormone implanted cattle. The
Company is working on a system based on natural enzyme replacements for the
hormone implants now in use, to overcome those, and meet a huge demand for PHB
in Europe. The Company has also developed its own European export system and
associations. These associations also provide the opportunity to import gourmet
food products and materials for distribution adding value and resale under the
ROF quality brand. Examples of these products include ingredients for use in
convenience packaged ROF pre-prepared meals, gourmet seafood, candies, pastries,
spices, and sauces.
European Division
During 1999, Red Oak Farms Europe, BV, was created as a wholly owned
subsidiary. It is headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands. The Company has
agreements with a meat packer, processor, distributors, investors and other
synergistic individuals and entities. During the first quarter of 2000, Red Oak
Farms Europe was set up to sell Red Oak Farms' "My Favorite Jerky" Beef Sticks,
and Royal Salmon of Norway through a sales and distribution infrastructure in 17
countries.
Royal Salmon of Norway is also being distributed through the Red Oak
Farms Europe organization. ROF is the exclusive distributor of Royal Salmon of
Norway for the United States and in Europe on a non-exclusive basis. Current
retail supermarket and foodservice customers have expressed interest, and REW
and Marketing Specialists have prospects for substantial volumes of this premium
smoked and marinated salmon.
Marketing and Distribution
Marketing, distributing and selling premium beef and other food
products is the central aim of the Company. Using the best beef in the world
today as the initial product and capitalizing on the quality of that product by
improving the beef margin through value-adding and creative market channels
should help make the Company profitable. This will be accomplished through the
marketing and sale of high margin, branded, consumer food products. Limited
financial resources and limited contacts by in-house sales/marketing staff made
the Company unable to improve all aspects of retail supermarket and food service
marketing. Looking forward, the Company has dedicated considerable resources to
discovering and developing new market channels where higher margins are
possible, and has hired REW to help identify and execute in those arenas.
The Company worked on the new product and packaging development of the
precooked line of products, Beef Sticks, and 4 oz. Jerky.
Presently, ROF advertises PHB on its web site, but almost exclusively
to industry and shareholders.
In 1998, the Company initiated distributor-based sales directly to food
service customers. Unable to generate volumes necessary for this relationship to
work primarily due to prohibitive delivery expense, the relationship was ended
in 1999.
The Company's primary activity remained beef focused, and included
development of new products. Led by Red Oak Farms' Premium Hereford Beef and its
precooked products, Royal Salmon of Norway, and European "My Favorite Jerky"
Beef Sticks, the Company continued its efforts to recast itself as a consumer
products business with a broad enough base to withstand market variances in its
individual product categories.
8
Government Regulations
The Company is subject to certain government regulations. The USDA
(United States Department of Agriculture) "Packers and Stockyards Act" mandates
the maintenance of particular records and bonds for both Midland and ROF as
buyers of cattle. The USDA's Packers and Stockyards Administration performs an
annual audit to ensure compliance.
PHB is an USDA approved marketing program having unique live animal and
grade specifications. The Company is charged with insuring that all harvested
cattle comply with these qualifications. The USDA audits every phase at
production for specification compliance. The USDA also administers the
regulations of food safety inspection service to which the Company and its
suppliers are subject.
Employees
The Company employs a total of 22 people of which 18 are at ROF, 2 are
at Midland, and 2 are at MFJ. Two people are full-time contract employees and
one person is a part-time contract employee. Midland also pays commissions to
approximately ten independent sales people. In addition, the Company has
outsourced its sales and sales management functions to the H.L. Jackson division
of REW Marketing, Inc. The Company compensates this entity through commissions
based upon sale of its products to the accounts the entity services.
Specializing in food and related products, REW / Jackson is among the most
recognized and respected "key account" sales organizations in the country.
ITEM 2. Properties
The Company leases office space from the Company's President and his
spouse. The annual cost of the one-year lease is $48,000. The Company believes
the rental is at least as favorable as what it could obtain from an unaffiliated
party. The leased office space of approximately 4,700 square feet houses the
Company's subsidiaries.
The Company, through its Midland subsidiary, leases approximately 30
acres as a cattle collection, holding and sorting facility near Red Oak, Iowa
and owns the buildings, equipment and vehicles located on the property. The
lease is for a 11-year term of which 10 years remain and is at a rate of $3,300
per month. Adjacent to this leasehold, the Company owns a 10-acre tract with a
residence for an employee.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company in the normal course of business is engaged from time to
time in legal proceedings. There are no pending material legal proceedings
involving the Company to its knowledge.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holder
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders
during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999.
9
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The Company's Common Stock is listed on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin
Board under the symbol "HERF." As of April 14, 2000, the Company had 311 holders
of record and estimates that it has approximately 2,200 beneficial holders. The
Company has never declared a dividend on its Common Stock and does not intend to
pay cash dividends on its Common Stock in the near future.
The Company's Common Stock began trading in March of 1997. The
published bid and ask quotations for the previous two fiscal years are included
in the chart below. These quotations represent prices between dealers and do not
include retail markup, markdown, or commissions. In addition, these quotations
may not represent actual transactions.
Bid Prices Ask Prices
High Low High Low
---- --- ---- ---
Fiscal Year 1998
First Quarter 7.8125 4.59375 8.125 4.75
Second Quarter 6.25 3.00 6.375 3.0625
Third Quarter 4.125 1.3125 4.375 1.50
Fourth Quarter 1.7812 .6875 1.875 .8125
Fiscal Year 1999
First Quarter 2.50 .9375 2.625 1.125
Second Quarter 1.50 1.062 1.625 1.325
Third Quarter 1.46 .968 1.59 1.03
Fourth Quarter 2.125 1.25 2.25 1.3125
Fiscal Year 2000
First Quarter 2.50 1.31 2.68 1.375
Second Quarter (through April 7, 2000) 2.06 1.81 2.18 2.09
The foregoing figures were furnished to the Company by the National
Quotation Bureau, 1 Penn Plaza, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10001.
On January 29, 2000, the Company sold 1,200,000 units, with each unit
consisting of one share of Series B 4% Cumulative Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock and one Common Stock Purchase Warrant. Each unit was priced at
$5.00 per unit resulting in the Company raising $6,000,000. The units were sold
in a private placement pursuant to rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Each investor was an "accredited
investor" as defined in Regulation D.
Preferred Stock
The Company has authorized and issued 1,200,000 shares of Series B 4% Cumulative
Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share with no voting
rights. The Series B Preferred Stock is senior to the Company's Common Stock.
Dividends are cumulative and accrue interest at the rate of 4% per year. The
Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable by the Company upon notice for $5.00 per
share plus accrued dividends. Each share of the Series B Preferred Stock is
convertible into five shares of the Company's Common Stock.
The Company has authorized 2,000,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $.001 per share with no voting rights. Series C Preferred Stock
is senior to the Company's Common Stock. Each share of the Series C Preferred
Stock is convertible into five shares of the Company's Common Stock.
10
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
Selected consolidated financial data with respect to the Company for
each of the last three fiscal years is set forth below. This data should be read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and
related Notes thereto for the corresponding years, which are contained in Part
IV of this Form 10-K.
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands, except per share data)
1999 1998 1997
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Operational Data:
Total Net Sales $ 71,568 $ 68,762 $ 105,326
Gross Profit 2,845 1,195 2,033
Total Operating Expenses 5,345 5,912 6,251
Loss From Operations (2,500) (4,717) (4,218)
Net Loss Applicable To Common Stockholders (3,633) (6,741) (4,515)
Basic And Diluted Loss Per Share (0.23) (0.46) (0.33)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 15,539 14,719 13,619
Balance Sheet Data:
Working Capital (Deficit) $ (1,742) $ (2,646) $ 2,021
Total Assets 6,057 2,971 5,976
Total Liabilities 9,661 6,302 4,273
Minority Interest (223) (104) -
Stockholders Equity (Deficiency) $ (3,381) $ (3,227) $ 1,703
Cash Flow Data:
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities $ (3,983) $ (206) $ (5,522)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (283) (769) (581)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 4,267 978 6,116
Increase in Cash 1 3 13
Cash, Beginning of Year 16 13 -
Cash, End of Year $ 17 $ 16 $ 13
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Background
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. ("Company") is a Nevada corporation
(previously named Wild Wings, Inc.) that is engaged through its subsidiaries,
Midland Cattle Company ("Midland"), Red Oak Feeders, LLC ("Feeders"), Red Oak
Farms, Inc. ("ROF"), and My Favorite Jerky, LLC ("MFJ"), to perform the
activities necessary to procure, produce, and bring to market premium branded,
fresh beef and further processed beef products to retail supermarket, food
service, and direct sales markets, located throughout the United States. The
principal offices of the Company are located at 2010 Commerce Drive, Red Oak,
Iowa 51566. The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado
on July 7, 1989 originally as Winter Ventures of Colorado, Inc. In December
1994, the Company's shareholders approved a name change to Wild Wings, Inc., and
a change of corporate domicile from Colorado to Nevada.
11
In February 1997, ROF was formed with the members of Mid-Ag, Inc.
contributing the assets and liabilities of Mid-Ag to ROF in exchange for all of
the outstanding stock of ROF. On March 14, 1997, all of the outstanding stock of
ROF was issued to the Company in exchange for 10,000,000 restricted Common
shares of the Company plus options to purchase an additional 3,000,000 shares of
the Company. As a result of this transaction, ROF became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company. For accounting purposes, ROF is deemed to be the
acquiring corporation and, therefore, the transaction is being accounted for as
a reverse acquisition of the Company by ROF. Prior to March 14, 1997, the
Company operated a hunting and sporting clays club and had insignificant
operations.
On May 19, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an
agreement to exchange stock pursuant to which the Company issued 1,538,462
shares of restricted Common Stock of the Company in exchange for all of the
issued and outstanding shares of Midland, an Iowa corporation. Started in 1985
as an Iowa joint venture, Midland reorganized on May 19, 1997 as a corporation
formed under the laws of the state of Iowa. Midland, a wholly owned subsidiary,
is in the business of identifying, sourcing, purchasing, and reselling feeder
and fed cattle. Midland is primarily responsible for developing the supply of
qualified cattle for the CHB and PHB programs, and serves as the procurement
agent for fed cattle destined for the CHB and PHB programs. Midland also deals
in commodity cattle of all types, but since the inception of the CHB program has
specialized in sourcing, procuring, and selling qualified feeder cattle in
participating feedlots located primarily in Iowa and Nebraska.
On December 12, 1997, the Company formed a subsidiary, Feeders, a
limited liability company, to develop a supply of CHB for the Company by
financing the feeding of CHB cattle for sale to ROF. Feeders commenced
operations at the end of December 1997. Through a 50% investment in a joint
venture, Quality Feeders, LLC, a Nebraska partnership was formed by Feeders and
MoorMan's Inc. Quality Feeders, LLC bought cattle from Midland and others,
placed the cattle in feedlots, and oversaw the feeding pursuant to ROF
standards.
The primary business activities of the Company are conducted through
its subsidiaries and limited liability companies, ROF, Midland, Feeders, and
MFJ. ROF is engaged in the management and marketing of PHB and CHB products. In
this effort, ROF markets the PHB and CHB products and arranges the appropriate
processing, packaging, and delivery. Further processed and value-added products
will be developed by ROF and MFJ. Midland is engaged in the procurement of PHB
and CHB cattle and in this effort Midland buys and sells feeder cattle in
wholesale markets and places Hereford feeder calves and yearlings in feedlots
approved for the PHB and CHB programs.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its subsidiaries and limited liability companies, ROF, Midland,
Feeders, and MFJ. The Company has incurred recurring losses and negative cash
flows from operations since its inception. The Company has not yet been
successful in establishing profitable operations and is in technical
non-compliance with a certain inventory loan agreement. Management is in the
process of completing a private placement offering. Efforts are also underway to
increase product awareness and broaden product lines through marketing efforts,
which should improve profitability and cash flow. In addition, the Company has
developed an operating plan including operating budgets to facilitate monthly
analysis of operations. Although there is no assurance that the Company will be
successful in achieving profitable operations, management believes these steps
will enhance the Company's ability to achieve favorable operating results.
12
The "MD&A" analysis includes percentage change evaluations. These percentages
(%) may not add as a result of rounding
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, the Company had consolidated cash and cash
equivalents balance of $17,067, $16,079, and $12,993 for 1999, 1998, and 1997,
respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Data:
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
---- ----- ---- ----- ----
Working Capital (Deficit) $(1,742) (34)% $ (2,646) (231)% $2,021
Increase in Cash 1 (68)% 3 (76)% 13
Cash Beginning of Period 16 24% 13 - 0
Cash End of Period 17 6% 16 24% 13
Stock and Additional Paid-In Capital $10,916 48% $ 7,400 29% $5,753
The Company continues to require additional cash to meet operational
requirements on an ongoing basis. Management has plans, including selling its
securities in private placements, continuing the issuance of debt to affiliated
parties, to provide this cash until positive cash flows can be achieved.
Management believes that with this cash, the Company can move into profitability
through several planned steps.
o Regain lost volume and increase volume and sales in Red Oak beef and
other products through REW and Marketing Specialists.
o Continue to implement pricing changes in both branded and commodity
boxed beef.
o Initiate sales of Red Oak Farms' Precooked products.
o Continue to reduce the percentage of its product sold into the
commodity beef trade.
o Initiate sales of Royal Salmon of Norway from Red Oak Farms.
o Continue to monitor and improve gross margins.
o Secure the customers presently identified necessary to increase
volume to a profitable level.
o Continue to bring on higher margin products, such as beef jerky and
other gourmet products, to increase the overall gross margins.
13
Management believes the Company requires a minimum of $5,000,000 to
launch its precooked, jerky, seafood, and other products. Additional capital and
asset based lending will be required as these new product lines are expanded and
the related sales base continues to grow. Although the Company continues to
receive capital, there are no assurances the Company will receive the necessary
funding to accomplish the successful maintenance and growth of the sales base.
The Company's sources of cash include issuance of Common and Preferred
Stock, sales of accounts receivable, borrowings on asset based lines of credit,
issuance of private debt, and equipment leases. The Company continues its
investment in premium branded beef product development and other quality
synergistic products. The Company requires additional resources to move to the
next stage of development. Cash resources will be critical to the success of the
Company, and management is engaged in discussions with sources of capital, as
well as conducting a private placement offering.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities. The Company's cash flows from
operating activities required cash of $3,983,000, $206,000, and $5,522,000 in
fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively. Operating losses resulted primarily
from the following five activities:
o Pricing concessions are used in new retail supermarket customer
recruitment including discounts to full branded price and provision
of feature items. Maintaining inventories adequate to supply existing
and new customers is essential as the Company attempts to continue
expanding its customer base and product demand to levels which will
cover operating expenses.
o Although significant improvement in the percentage of branded versus
commodity sales was achieved by late 1999, losses were generated by
commodity sales of product produced by cattle harvested to fulfill
customer demand for various cuts.
o In late 1999, loss of significant customers, because of the
initiation of a competing CHB program, had a negative influence on
otherwise improved margins and related cash flow. The Company is
developing a defensive posture to minimize the impact of losing a
significant customer as we continue to focus on the expansion of the
selective customer base.
o The continued development of Beef Jerky during 1999 requires
additional resources to market and distribute our new consumer snack
products. Unsuccessful sales attempts required absorbing not only
production and development costs during 1999, but also a significant
writedown of expired inventory. This product line contributed $
838,000 to the 1999 operating losses. However, through restructuring
this product line and additional capital support, the Company plans a
successful rollout during 2000.
o Losses have been incurred from implementing the Company's strategy of
realigning the customers into an efficiently served customer base,
including both retail supermarkets and food service market channels.
A significant shift to branded premium pricing continues to reflect
opportunity for favorable results. The Company continues to expand
the development and marketing of value-added consumer beef products.
14
Increases in depreciation and amortization, services for Common Stock,
loss from partnership, loss on disposal of assets, increases in checks in excess
of bank balances, and issuance of Preferred Stock provided cash to absorb the
majority of the operational losses for 1999.
At December 31, 1999, accounts receivable was $1.6 million compared to
$1.0 million in 1998 primarily as a result of an increase in sales. During 1998,
the Company entered into an agreement whereby it sells selected accounts
receivable without recourse to a factor. The immediate sale of receivables to
the factor contributed to the significant decrease in accounts receivable during
1998. The Company however, does not sell all receivables to the factor,
contributing to the increase in receivables for 1999. See note 5 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Selected Cash Flow Data:
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
------------ ----------- --------- ---------- -------
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Loss $ (3,622) (45)% $ (6,576) 46% $ (4,498)
Adjustments to reconcile cash used
in operating activities:
Depreciation & Amortization 122 (7)% 130 39% 94
Services for Common Stock 26 (95)% 472 281% 124
Loss from Partnership 16 (98)% 659 - 0
Minority Interest in Subsidiaries (168) 62% (104) - 0
Loss on Disposal of Assets 2 - 0 - 0
Change in:
Accounts Receivable (755) (125)% 2,983 534% 471
Inventories (2,223) (3288)% 70 119% 32
Prepaid Expenses 37 (459)% (10) (190)% 11
Checks in Excess of Bank Balances 139 (205)% (132) (90)% (1,301)
Accounts Payable and Accrued
Expenses 2,445 6% 2,303 (608)% (454)
--------- -------- --------
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities $ (3,983) 95% $ (206) (96)% $ (5,522)
15
Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Investing activities required
cash of $283,000, $769,000, and $581,000 in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997,
respectively. In fiscal 1999, the Company used cash to acquire assets, to
purchase intangible assets, and to reserve funds for compliance with the
"Packers and Stockyards Act".
Selected Cash Flow Data:
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
--------------- ----------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property $0 (100)% $ 17 - $0
Purchases of PP&E (82) 31% (62) (13)% (71)
Purchase of Intangible Assets (8) (97)% (250) - 0
Restricted Cash (207) (1)% (209) - 0
Changes in Other Assets 13 (119)% (65) 560% (10)
Investment in Partnership 0 (100)% (200) (60)% (500)
------ ------ ------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities $ (283) (63)% $ (769) 32% $ (581)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Financing activities provided
cash of $4,267,000, $978,000, and $6,116,000 in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997
respectively. Cash from financing activities in fiscal 1999 was derived from
borrowing on the line of credit and proceeds from the issuance of notes payable
to affiliates. Also, a private placement offering, as of December 31, 1999, has
raised in the aggregate $3,491,000. See Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders Equity in Financial Statements and Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows.
The Company continues to receive an asset based line of credit, which
provides borrowings up to $1.5 million based on eligible inventory.
Substantially all of a subsidiary's assets and personal guarantees of the
Company's President and a Director collateralize the line of credit. The Company
is in technical non-compliance on certain financial conditions on this loan.
However, the lender has given no indication of intention to call this
obligation. See note 7, paragraph A of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
During 1998, a major stockholder provided $410,000 through notes
payable to the Company. During 1999, another stockholder provided $1,000,000
through a revolving line of credit. See note 7, paragraphs B & C of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, affiliates are continuing to
extend credit to ROF until completion of a private placement.
The Company entered into a settlement agreement to restructure the
Company's outstanding indebtedness to a creditor. See note 7, paragraph E of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Equipment lease financing, issuance of a long-term note payable for
investment in product development, and issuance of long-term notes for cattle
procurement provided funding resources for the continued growth and development
of premium branded beef products.
16
The Company continues to develop financing through the issuance of
equity, sale of accounts receivable, and the expansion of asset based debt.
Capital formation is critical to the operation of the Company and continued
growth and development of premium branded beef products. Capital is also
critical to the marketing and distribution of other quality synergistic products
under development by the Company. Additional revolving credit will be required
as the Company continues to grow the customer revenue and related inventory
requirements.
Selected Cash Flow Data:
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
---------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock $0 (100)% $1,175 (78)% $ 5,278
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock 3,491 - 0 - 0
Net Borrowing on Line of Credit 175 (121)% (830) (296)% 424
Proceeds from Issuance of Notes Payable 1,000 52% 656 - 0
Repayment of Notes Payable 0 (100)% (246) - 0
Proceeds from Long-Term Debt 19 (95)% 350 (33)% 525
Payments on Long-Term Debt (418) 231% (126) 546% (20)
Purchases of Treasury Stock 0 - 0 (100)% (31)
Distributions Paid 0 - 0 (100)% (60)
------ ------ -------
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $4,267 336% $ 978 (84)% $ 6,116
Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates,
foreign exchange rates, and commodity prices. The Company manages such exposures
through the use of contracts when deemed prudent.
Current financing is predominately fixed or related to United States
prime interest rates. As the performance of the Company improves, the risk
premium paid above prime on asset based lending will be negotiated to lower
levels. Conversely, continued losses will continue the risk premium.
All exported products are currently sold in United States dollars to
United States trading companies for export. As the Asian economies continue to
improve during 2000, the Company anticipates improved sales demand from Asia.
As the Company continues to nurture a selective and strategic customer
base, it needs to maintain a defensive position for the potential loss of any
key customer(s) from competition in the market place. The decision to move away
from the CHB program with our own branded product, Premium Hereford Beef,
creates a competitive opportunity for those distributors and packers who may
choose to participate in the Certified Hereford program. As the Company grows
the sales base of its own branded product, Premium Hereford Beef, the risk of a
competitor using the PHB brand is eliminated.
17
In the development of added-value branded consumer products, the
Company must invest significant management and capital resources for successful
supply chain development and management. These rollouts also require marketing
and distribution support essential to successful improvement in related product
margins. This process will require additional capital and asset based lending.
There is risk that the company may not receive sufficient funding for these
product developments.
Hereford cattle purchased by Midland and ROF for further marketing,
processing, and distribution are exposed to the impact of changing commodity
prices. Commodity risk is present at various levels of the Company's business
cycle, including: procurement, production, processing, and distribution of the
ROF beef products. The procurement of yearlings and calves, reselling of the
qualified animals to feeders, purchasing of the fat cattle for processing, the
related dressed cattle on the rail and related by-products, the fabricated boxed
primals, and several of the subsequent value-added consumer products are all
affected by commodity market risk.
Hedging and contract purchases for cattle are periodically utilized by
ROF to minimize market risk and to insure that adequate supply of qualified
Hereford cattle is available to meet the current and growing sales demand.
ROF pays a market premium to the feeder for producing qualified cattle
that comply with certain genetic, diet, weight parameters, and certain grading
specifications. This premium above market generates market risk, as this
additional cost must be passed on to the distributor and ultimately the consumer
for this premium branded consumer product. While developing brand equity,
consumer demand, and consumer loyalty, ROF has been investing in market
penetration through pricing, which provides lower than preferred margins.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the years ended December 31, for the fiscal years ended 1999,
1998, and 1997.
Revenues-Net Sales
Net Sales. Net sales of $71.6 million, $68.8 million, and $105.3
million were generated by the Company for the fiscal years ended 1999, 1998, and
1997, respectively. Net sales increased 4% from 1998 to 1999 and decreased 35%
from 1997 to 1998. The 1998 decreases were primarily attributable to lower
volume and market prices in cattle trading operations. During 1999, the increase
in net sales resulted from increases in the volume of boxed beef sales and an
improvement in related branded beef margins.
Net sales of branded beef products increased to 64% of net sales for
1999 from 53% for 1998. The Company continued to focus on growth in volume
during 1999 through increases in the customer base. Emphasis is placed on growth
of branded beef product sales while continuing efforts to integrate value-added
products with significantly higher gross margins. However, the Company lost
customers to pricing concessions from a competitor, reflecting the marketing and
distribution risk in the marketplace. The loss of these customers diluted the
momentum the Company was achieving in the fourth quarter through improved
margins and volume, slowing the otherwise improved performance.
18
Cattle trading net sales decreased to 36% of net sales for 1999 from
47% for 1998. Midland has been refocused to have responsibility for developing
the supply of qualified Hereford cattle for ROF. Volume in 1999 was reduced due
to a reduction of non-CHB cattle business. The gross revenue generated by
trading is substantial but the small margins available have led the Company to
refocus some of Midland's personnel and activities by moving them into ROF to
assist with the procurement function. Midland will continue to place cattle in
ROF's supply channel and engage in some non ROF cattle trade.
Cattle trading-Related Party decreased an additional 10% in 1999 from
1998 as compared to a reduction of 68% from 1997. This is a continuation of our
strategy to refocus the core business to marketing and distributing of branded
Premium Hereford Beef and synergistic added value products.
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
----------- -------- ------------ --------- -------------
Net Sales:
Boxed beef $ 45,614 25% $ 36,546 14% $ 31,984
Percentage of sales 64% 53% 31%
Cattle Trading 22,169 (21)% 28,017 (54)% 60,249
Percentage of sales 31% 41% 58%
Cattle Trading Sales-Related Parties 3,784 (10)% 4,199 (68)% 13,092
Percentage of sales 5% 6% 13%
----------- ------------ -------------
Total Net Sales $71,568 4% $ 68,762 (35)% $ 105,326
Percentage of sales 100% 100% 100%
Operating Expenses
Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold of $68.7 million, $67.6 million,
and $103.3 million was generated by the Company for the fiscal years ended 1999,
1998, and 1997, respectively. The 1998 decreases are attributable to lower
volume and market prices in cattle trading operations. Cost of Goods Sold as a
percentage of sales was constant for 1998 and 1997. The 1999 decrease resulted
from improved gross margins in boxed beef and cattle trading. Unfortunately in
the development and rollout of the beef jerky products, the Company absorbed an
expired inventory from under-performing sales commitments, resulting in a
significant inventory writedown of $ 338,000 decreasing improvement in gross
margin of boxed beef.
19
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
----------- --------- ------------- --------- -------------
Cost of Goods Sold:
Cattle Purchased for Processing $19,308 10% $ 17,602 (29)% $ 24,943
Percentage of sales 27% 26% 24%
Cattle Purchased for Processing-RP 17,980 22% 14,698 192% 5,036
Percentage of sales 25% 21% 5%
Cattle Purchased for Trading 24,503 (19)% 30,300 (55)% 66,707
Percentage of sales 34% 44% 63%
Cattle Purchased for Trading -RP 27 (98)% 1,177 67% 3,556
Percentage of sales 0.04% 2% 3%
Other Processing Costs 6,403 79% 3,569 36% 2,629
Percentage of sales 9% 5% 2%
Other Trading Costs 163 (26)% 220 (48)% 422
Percentage of sales 0.23% 0.32% 0.4%
Other-expired inventory 338 - 0 - 0
Percentage of sales 0.47%
----------- ------------- -------------
Total Cost of Goods Sold $68,723 2% $ 67,566 (35)% $ 103,293
Percentage of sales 96% 98% 98%
Note: RP equals Related Parties
Cattle purchased for processing, including processing costs for boxed
beef increased to 61% of revenues for 1999 compared to 52% of revenues for 1998
reflecting the continuing shift from cattle activities into branded consumer
product marketing of Premium Hereford Beef. Cattle purchased for trading,
including other trading costs decreased to 35% of revenues for 1999 compared to
46% of revenues for 1998.
Live cattle costs and related boxed beef costs increased approximately
6% and 11%, respectively, for 1999 as compared to 1998 based on USDA and
National Cattlemen's Beef Association Cattle-fax. These commodity market based
increases have raised the market values of both revenues and cost of goods sold
for boxed beef products in 1999.
Selling and Distribution Expenses. Selling and distribution expenses
for fiscal 1999 of $2.9 million, $3.1 million for 1998, and $3.4 million for
1997 decreased by 6% and 10%, respectively. Selling and distribution expenses
were 4%, 4%, and 3% of net sales, respectively, for 1999, 1998, and 1997.
Selling and distribution expenses are somewhat variable and were reduced as a
result of several factors. Some advertising and co-op marketing expenses were
replaced with pricing concessions and discounted feature items. In late 1999 the
sales salary expenses were reduced when REW was retained to provide broader
access to consumer market channels.
The Company is committed to providing the necessary support and there
will be ongoing cash investment in developing, marketing, and distributing of
branded beef products and related synergistic products.
20
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative
expenses were $2.5 million, $2.8 million, and $2.8 million for 1999, 1998, and
1997, respectively. Administrative expenses were 3%, 4%, and 3% of net sales for
1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, due primarily to staff changes necessary to
achieve profitable volume levels and new product development. During 1998,
substantial general and administrative expenses were incurred through stock
compensation to consultants and certain directors.
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<C.
Operating Expenses:
Selling and Distribution $2,892 (6)% $ 3,076 (10)% $ 3,414
Percentage of sales 4% 4% 3%
General and Administrative 2,453 (14)% 2,837 - 2,837
Percentage of sales 3% 4% 3%
----------- ----------- ----------
Total Operating Expenses $5,345 (10)% $ 5,912 (5)% $6,251
Percentage of sales 7% 9% 6%
Loss from Operations. Loss from operations of $2.5 million, $4.7
million, and $4.2 million, for 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, decreased by
47% in 1999 and increased by 12% for 1998. While gross margin improved in late
1998, increased cattle supply costs (cattle feeding and procurement costs)
contributed to the loss from operations. Negative gross margins for boxed beef
during early 1998 were also part of the cause of operational losses. Management
believes improvement from negative gross margins in early 1998 to positive gross
margins in late 1998 reflected progress towards improved performance. Also, the
operational production costs and expenses necessary to create and maintain a
profitable volume level generate losses until those volume levels are achieved.
1999 continued to show progress with improvement in gross margins, however, in
late 1999 when transitioning to PHB, a loss of significant customers had a
negative influence on otherwise improved margins and related cash flow.
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
--------- ---------- ----------- -------- ----------
Loss from Operations $ (2,500) (47)% $ (4,717) 12% $ (4,218)
Percentage of sales (3)% (7)% (4)%
Other Income and Expense. Interest expense of $1,008,000, $432,000, and
$343,000 for fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively, increased by 133% for
1999 and increased 26% in 1998. Interest expense increases resulted from higher
borrowing levels and a factoring agreement for receivable sales. See note 5 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The loss on sale of accounts
receivable of $ 233,000 and $154,000 represents fixed discounts on the accounts
sold to a factor for 1999 and 1998 respectively. The loss from joint venture
resulted from feeding activities necessary to provide a consistent supply of
Hereford Beef for our programs in 1998 with a carryover into 1999.
21
Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
(in thousands)
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
----------- --------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Other Income (Expenses):
Interest Income $ 19 100% $ 9 (85)% $ 63
Percentage of sales .03% .01% .06%
Interest Expense (1,008) 133% (432) 26% (343)
Percentage of sales (1.4)% (.63)% (.33)%
Loss on Sale of A/R (233) 51% (154) - 0
Percentage of sales (.33)% (.22)% 0.0%
Loss from Joint Venture (68) (95)% (1,386) - 0
Percentage of sales (.10)% (2.0)% 0.0%
----------- ----------- ----------
Total Other Income (Expenses) $(1,291) (34)% $ (1,963) 600% $ (280)
Percentage of sales (1.8)% (2.9)% (.27)%
Net Loss and Loss per Share
1999 % chg 1998 % chg 1997
---------- ---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Loss Before Minority Interest $ (3,790) (43)% $ (6,680) 49% $ (4,498)
Percentage of sales (5)% (10)% (4)%
Minority Interest 168 62% $ 104 - $ 0
----------- ------------ -----------
Net Loss $ (3,622) (45)% $(6,576) 46% $ (4,498)
Percentage of sales (5)% (10)%
(4)%
Preferred Stock Dividend Required (10) (94)% (165) 871% (17)
Percentage of sales (.01)% (.24)% (.02)%
----------- ------------ -----------
Net Loss Applicable to Common $ (3,633) (46)% $ (6,741) 49% $ (4,515)
Percentage of sales (5)% (10)% (4)%
========== ======== =========
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share (.23) (51)% (0.46) 38% (0.33)
========== ======== =========
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 15,539 9% 14,719 8% 13,619
========== ======== =========
Income Taxes
The consolidated financial statements include no provision for income
taxes due to net operating losses. See note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Subsequent Events
From January 1, 2000 through April 19, 2000, the Company has received
$4,152,415 from the private sale of its securities.
Effective April 1, 2000, the Company acquired the 20% minority interest
of McClellan in MFJ for $40,000 and MFJ became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.
22
Inflation
While inflation has not had a material effect on the Company's
operations in the past, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to continue to offset the effects of inflation on the costs of its products
through price increases to its customers without experiencing a reduction in the
demand for its products or that inflation will not have an overall effect on the
beef market that would have a material effect on the Company.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements
The following financial statements of the Company are filed as a part
of this report:
Independent Auditors' Reports;
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998;
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997;
Consolidated Statements of Changes In Stockholders' Equity for
the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997;
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997;
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The financial statements of the Company are set forth immediately
beginning on page F1 on this report.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
On December 4, 1998, BDO Seidman, LLP resigned as the Company's
certifying accountants. During the most recent fiscal year for which BDO
Seidman, LLP issued a report (1997), there have been no disagreements with BDO
Seidman, LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure or any reportable events.
BDO Seidman, LLP's report on the financial statements for the past year
contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified as
to audit scope or accounting principles. The accountant's report contained an
explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
On January 18, 1999, the Company retained HLB Cross Collins, P.C. as
the Company's certifying accountants.
23
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth as of April 14, 2000 the name, age, and
position of each executive officer and director and the date each began service
for the Company.
Name Age Position Director or Officer Since
---- --- -------- -------------------------
Gordon Reisinger 60 President, Director March 14, 1997
John Derner 49 Vice President, Director March 14, 1997
Charles Kolbe 58 Chairman of the Board, March 14, 1997
Director
Dwayne Lewis 68 Director May 8, 1998
Jack Holden 35 Director May 8, 1998
Ron Daggett 53 Director May 8, 1998
Charles Wilson 81 Director January 4, 2000
Marius Morin 42 Director February 4, 2000
Johan Smit 46 Director May 26, 1999
John Schiering 54 Chief Operating Officer, January 1, 2000
Red Oak Farms, Inc.
Harley Dillard 50 Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer December 10, 1997
Peter Hudgins 45 Vice President-Special Projects November 1, 1997
All officers hold their positions at the will of the Board of
Directors. All directors hold their positions for one year or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
Set forth below is certain biographical information regarding each of
the Company's executive officers and directors:
Gordon Reisinger, Director and President. Prior to its acquisition by
the Company, Mr. Reisinger was the managing partner and a 33.33% owner in
Midland Cattle Company, which he formed in 1987. Midland is a cattle trader,
which buys and sells feeder cattle nationwide, including cattle for the CHB and
PHB programs. Mr. Reisinger was also a managing partner and a 33.33% owner in
Mid-Ag prior to its reverse acquisition of the Company. Mr. Reisinger has
managed the Eldora Livestock auction his father built in 1939 and has been
active in family farming and cattle operations, cattle feeding, commercial and
farmer feedlot quality-control auditing, and nationwide cattle brokering. Mr.
Reisinger holds a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science from Iowa State
University.
John Derner, Director and Vice President. Mr. Derner owns and manages
an 8,000 head cattle feedlot and a large row crop operation in West Lake
Okoboji, Iowa. Mr. Derner also owns a manufacturing company, Shell Rock
Products, Inc., that manufactures and distributes numerous ornamental concrete
products nationwide. Mr. Derner was also a 33.33% partner in Midland and Mid-Ag
prior to their acquisition by the Company.
24
Charles Kolbe, Director and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Kolbe owns a
family farming and cattle feeding operation in Lake View, Iowa. In addition to
farming and cattle feeding operations, Mr. Kolbe has been active in the
financial world, having held positions as a director and principal of banks in
Iowa and Minnesota. Mr. Kolbe was a co-founder and 33.33% owner of Midland prior
to its acquisition by the Company. He is on the executive committee of the Iowa
Cattleman's Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council and the National Livestock
and Meat Board. He is past President of the Iowa Cattleman's Association and
past Chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. Mr. Kolbe has been appointed to
the IRS Oversight Board.
Dwayne Lewis, Director. Mr. Lewis operates Lewis Feedlot. He currently
runs approximately 17,000 cattle in this operation. He has been active in the
Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association and chaired the Environmental Committee
for the National Feeders Association. He has been a member of National
Cattlemen's Beef Association and Nebraska Cattlemen's Association.
Mr. Lewis' quarter horse operation is recognized as one of the top
stables in the United States. He has served as President of the Nebraska Quarter
Horse Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Quarter
Horse Association.
Along with his cattle feeding and quarter horse operations, Mr. Lewis
and his two sons operate 3,500 acres of irrigated farmland. He has also served
as Chairman of the Board of Gibbon Bank for 12 years. His community service
included 20 years as a member and term as President of the local School Board in
his district near Kearney, Nebraska.
Jack B. Holden, Director. Mr. Holden manages his family's Hereford
operation, Holden Herefords, on a 2,000-acre ranch near Valier, Montana. Mr.
Holden is active in the National Cattleman's Beef Association, Montana
Stockgrowers and its Seedstock Committee. He is also active in the American
Hereford Association and the Montana Farm Bureau. He serves as Director of the
Montana Hereford Association, and Vice President and Director of the Pondera
County Canal and Reservoir Company.
Ron Daggett, Director. Mr. Daggett served as a First Vice President,
Sales for Dean Witter from 1994 to 1997. For the past two years, Mr. Daggett has
served as First Vice President, Sales for First Union Securities.
Charles Wilson, Director. Mr. Wilson is Chairman, President, and CEO of
Wilson Concrete Company. He has been President and CEO of the company since
1949. Mr. Wilson holds BS Degrees in both Civil and General Engineering from
Iowa State University. Wilson has received numerous awards including the PCI
(Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) Medal of Honor, an award given only
eleven times in the last forty years and the Corporate Partner of the Year Award
for his support of the Mid-American Counsel and the Nischa Nimat District of the
Boy Scouts.
Marius Morin, Director. Mr. Morin has been a management consultant for
international business development programs for the past fifteen years.
25
Johan Alexander Smit, Director. Mr. Smit is Managing Director of
Smitfort Steel. As director of Smitfort-Staal BV, Mr. Smit manages a worldwide
steel company. He attended the London School of Economics and received his
Masters in Business Administration from the University of Neyerrode. Mr. Smit is
an honorary member of the Dutch Export Federation, a board member of Business
Club Zwijndrecht (ovz) and a supervisory board member of the Dutch Trading
Company.
John Schiering, Chief Operating Officer, Red Oak Farms, Inc. Mr.
Schiering was appointed to his position in January of 2000. Since 1995, he has
been a management consultant working primarily on confectionery projects. From
1985 to 1995, he was Vice President and General Manager of Borden Candy
Products. Mr. Schiering holds a B.A. degree from Brown University and J.D.
degree from the New England School of Law. Mr. Schiering is admitted to practice
law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Harley Dillard, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dillard
worked in public accounting and then with Monfort of Colorado in several
capacities, including plant Controller for the Monfort Greeley Slaughter Plant
and Controller for the Monfort Portion Foods Division. He gained more consumer
product experience as Controller and Director of Finance for the Denver
Coca-Cola Franchise. From 1984 until 1996, Mr. Dillard held positions with
Robertson Associates Manufacturing, Inc., ("RAMI") an aluminum beverage
packaging manufacturer. Mr. Dillard joined RAMI as Controller and was promoted
to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Since 1996 until he joined the
Company, Mr. Dillard was General Manager of Cruisin Cuisine/WP&G Distributing, a
privately held manufacturer and distributor of wholesale food products. Mr.
Dillard is a Certified Public Accountant.
Pete Hudgins, Vice President-Special Projects. Mr. Hudgins' lifelong
cattle industry experience began with his participation as the fifth generation
of a commercial Hereford Ranching and buying business in Texas. Mr. Hudgins
joined the Company November 1997. From 1995 until late 1997, Mr. Hudgins was a
sales person with Natures Technology Inc., sellers of biological products. Among
his responsibilities are investor, customer, and producer relations, which draw
on substantial cattle organization and capital formation experience. He also
coordinates projects with Mr. Reisinger and other management in various areas of
the enterprise.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a)
Certain Directors and Executive Officers, as of December 31, 1999, have
inadvertently omitted filing Form 4. The Form 4 for each Director and Executive
Officer has been filed late or is in the process of being filed.
The Directors and Executive Officers include: Gordon Reisinger, John
Derner, Charles Kolbe, Dwayne Lewis, Jack Holden, Ron Daggett, Johan Smit, Pete
Hudgins, Charles Wilson, Harley Dillard, and John Schiering.
26
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning
the compensation paid or accrued during the Registrant's last fiscal year to the
Company's, or its principal subsidiaries' executive officers during such period.
Summary Compensation Table
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term Compensation
---------------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
Name and Principal Other Annual Restricted Number of LTIP All Other
Position Year Salary Bonus Compensation Stock Awards Options Payouts Compensation
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gordon Reisinger 1999 $ 120,000 -0- $16,667 $3,500 -0- -0- $451
President/ Chief 1998 $ 120,000 -0- $53,333 $97,970 -0- -0- -0-
ExecutiveOfficer/ 1997 $ 100,000 $106,802 -0- -0- 5,000 -0- $121,500
Director
Harley Dillard 1999 $ 125,000 -0- -0- -0- 60,000 -0- -0-
Treasurer/Chief 1998 $ 110,000 -0- -0- $25,000 140,000 -0- -0-
Financial Officer
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Values of Restricted Stock Awards shown in the Summary Compensation Table
are based on the average market price of the Company's Common Stock on the
date of the grant.
27
Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plans
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Individual Grants
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of Total Potential Realization
Options Value at Assumed
Granted to Exercise Annual Rates of Stock
Options Employees Price Per Expiration Price Appreciation for
Name Granted in Fiscal Yr. Share Date Option Terms(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5% 10%
Harley Dillard, CFO 60,000 100 % $1.50 2009 $ 56,600 $ 143,436
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Amounts reported in the column represent hypothetical values that may be
realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior to the expiration of
their term, assuming the specified compounded rates of appreciation of the
Common Stock over the term of the options. These numbers are calculated based on
rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not represent
the Company's estimate of future Common Stock price. Actual gains, if any, on
stock option exercises and Common Stock holdings are dependent on the timing of
such exercise and the future market price of the Common Stock. There can be no
assurance that the rates of appreciation assumed in this table can be achieved
or that the amounts reflected will be received by the individuals. This table
does not take into account any appreciation in the price of the Common stock
from the date of grant to the present date. The values shown are net of the
exercise price, but do not include deductions for taxes or other expenses
associated with the exercise.
The Board of Directors adopted the 1997 Stock Option Plan and reserved
1,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company for issuance upon the exercise
of options which the Board of Directors has the authority to grant to key
employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company as part of the
Plan. The Board of Directors adopted the 1998 Stock Option Plan and reserved
1,000,000 shares under the Plan for the same purposes as the 1997 Plan. As of
April 14, 2000, the Company has granted options for 748,000 shares pursuant to
the 1997 Plan and 885,000 pursuant to the 1998 Plan. To date, none of the
options issued pursuant to either Plan have been exercised.
Board Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation.
The purpose of the Company's executive compensation program is to
attract, retain, and motivate qualified executives to manage the business of the
Company so as to maximize profits and shareholder value. Executive compensation
in the aggregate is made up principally of the executive's annual base salary, a
bonus which may be awarded under the Company's Management Incentive Plan and
awards of Company stock or stock options under the Company's 1997 and 1998 Stock
Option Plans. The Company's Compensation Committee (the "Committee") annually
considers and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to executive
compensation including changes in base salary and bonuses.
Consistent with the above-noted purpose of the executive compensation
program, it is the policy of the Committee, in recommending the aggregate annual
compensation of executive officers of the Company, to consider the overall
performance of the Company, the performance of the division of the Company for
which the executive has responsibility and the individual contribution and
performance of the executive. The performance of the Company and of the function
for which the executive has responsibility are significant factors in
determining aggregate compensation although they are not necessarily
determinative. While shareholders' total return is important and is considered
by the Committee, it is subject to the vagaries of the public market place and
the Company's compensation program focuses on the Company's strategic plans,
corporate performance measures, and specific corporate goals, which should lead
to improved performance. The corporate performance measures, which the Committee
considers, include sales, earnings, return on equity, and comparisons of sales
and earnings with prior years, with budgets, and with the Company's competitors
and peer group.
The Compensation Committee does not rely on any fixed formula or
specific numerical criteria in determining an executive's aggregate
compensation. It considers both corporate and personal performance criteria,
competitive compensation levels, the economic environment and changes in the
cost of living as well as the recommendations of management. The Committee
exercises business judgment based on all of these criteria and the purpose of
the executive compensation program.
Compensation Committee
Gordon Reisinger
Charles Kolbe
Ron Daggett
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Gordon Reisinger who is the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Charles Kolbe who is an employee of
the Company, and Mr. Ron Daggett who is an outside director.
28
Performance Graph
Comparison of three-year cumulative total return among Red Oak Hereford
Farms, Inc. (HERF) and The Bloomberg Food-Meat Products Group (FMP*).
Total Return
Stock Price Plus Reinvested Dividends
[CHART OMITTED]
- ---------------- -------------------- --------------------
HERF FMP*
- ---------------- -------------------- --------------------
12/31/96 $ 2.00 $ 12.39
12/31/97 $ 5.00 $ 17.82
12/31/98 $ 0.75 $ 13.74
12/31/99 $ 1.25 $ 8.81
- ---------------- -------------------- --------------------
* Based on information from the Bloomberg Food-Meat Products Group, as
available from Bloomberg, which includes the following companies, but from
which the Company has been excluded:
Hormel Foods Corporation, Iowa Beef Packers Inc., Smithfield Foods
Inc., Thorn Apple Valley Inc., Fresh Foods Inc., Doughtie's Foods Inc.,
Cattleman's Inc., Rymer Foods Inc., and Agri-Foods International Inc.
Compensation of Directors
The Company issues each director 1,000 shares of Common Stock for
attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors
29
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth as of April 14, 2000 the name and the
number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share,
held of record or beneficially by each person who held of record, or was known
by the Registrant to own beneficially, more than 5% of the Registrant's Common
Stock, and the name and shareholdings of each director and of all officers and
directors as a group.
Amount and Nature Percentage of Shares
Title of Class Name of of Beneficial Owned by Beneficial
Beneficial Owner Ownership (1) Owners and Management
- --------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------------
Common Gordon Reisinger 6,812,653 (2) 38%
Rural Route 3
Red Oak, Iowa 51566
Common Cimarron Investments, LP 2,433,333 14%
RR 3
Red Oak, Iowa 51566
Common John Derner 8,646,655 (3) 45%
2353 213th Avenue
Milford, Iowa 51351
Common JKSBM, LP 2,175,000 14%
2353 213th Avenue
Milford, Iowa 51351
Common Charles Kolbe 1,115,154 (4) 7%
Common Dwayne Lewis 98,333 (5) *
Common Charles Wilson 1,397,625 (6) 8%
Common Marius Morin 0 *
Common Johan Smit 325,000 (7) 2%
Common Jack Holden 45,334 (8) *
Common Ron Daggett 92,334 (9) *
Common All Officers and Directors as 18,738,688 (10) 80%
a Group: (12 persons)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Represents less than 1%
(1) Beneficial ownership has been determined pursuant to Rule 13(d)-3 (d) (1)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
30
(2) Includes 512,820 shares owned by Cimarron Properties which is owned and
controlled by Gordon Reisinger and 2,433,333 shares owned by Cimarron
Investments, LP, a family partnership controlled by Mr. Reisinger. Also,
includes 1,880,000 stock options held by Mr. Reisinger.
(3) Includes 2,175,000 shares owned by JKSBM, a family limited partnership,
which is owned and controlled by Mr. Derner, and 512,821 shares owned by
Derner's of Milford, a company controlled by Mr. Derner and 265,000 shares
owned by the Derner Foundation which Mr. Derner controls. Also, includes
1,380,000 stock options held by Mr. Derner, 326,000 Common Stock purchase
warrants and 311,000 Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 1,555,000
shares of Common Stock.
(4) Includes 512,821 shares owned by Wall Lake Cattle Company, a company
controlled by Mr. Kolbe. Mr. Kolbe also holds 60,000 stock options.
(5) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to
purchase 13,330 shares of Common Stock.
(6) Includes 48,750 shares of Common Stock, 220,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock convertible into 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock and 3,900
Series C Stock which is convertible into Common Stock at a ratio of five to
one and 9,375 warrants to purchase Common Stock.
(7) Includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock and 54,000 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock convertible into 270,000 shares of Common Stock and 54,000
warrants.
(8) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to
purchase 13,334 shares of Common Stock.
(9) Includes 17,000 shares of Common Stock held jointly with Mr. Daggett's
spouse. Also includes warrants to purchase 30,333 shares of Common Stock
jointly held and options to purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock. Also
includes 7,000 Series B Preferred shares convertible into 35,000 shares of
Common Stock.
(10) Includes warrants to purchase 740,476 shares of Common Stock, options to
purchase 3,520,000 shares of Common Stock, 449,600 shares of Series B
Preferred Stock and 3,900 shares of Series C Preferred Stock both
convertible into Common Stock at a ratio of 5 to 1.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Mr. Reisinger is part owner of a company that leases an office building
to the Company. The lease payments made in 1999 were $48,000. He was also issued
3,000 shares of Common Stock for his services as a director. In February, 2000,
Mr. Reisinger was granted options to purchase 500,000 shares of Common Stock.
During 1999, the Company purchased cattle totaling $389,881 from Mr. Reisinger
and a company owned by Mr. Reisinger. During 1999, the Company provided an
automobile for Mr. Reisinger. Compensation to Mr. Reisinger for vehicle costs
totaled $451 in 1999.
Mr. John Walker, Mr. Reisinger's son-in-law, works for the Company. He
buys and sells cattle and was paid $60,000 for his services in 1999. Mr. Walker
and his wife, Mrs. Kathy Walker, own an entity that buys cattle from the
Company. During 1999, cattle purchases by Mr. and Mrs. Walker from the Company
were approximately $849,016. In order to insure a sufficient supply of CHB and
PHB, the Company started entering into financing arrangements, i.e., repurchase
agreements, with related parties during 1998. The Company's agreement with the
related party is that the Company retains the benefit from any gains on the
cattle and the risk of any losses. In addition, the Company reimburses the
related party for any costs incurred on the cattle, such as grain, vet, yardage,
etc., as well as pays interest on the funds advanced by the related party to
"purchase" the cattle and to pay other expenses related to the cattle. The
cattle are purchased by the Company for meat processing. During 1999, the
Company paid the entity $448,342 under this arrangement. Mrs. Walker works as a
part-time bookkeeper for the Company and for those services the Company paid
$5,400 in 1999.
31
Mr. Todd Reisinger, Mr. Reisinger's son, was a meat salesman for the
Company and was paid $27,500 in 1999.
Mr. Charles Kolbe, a director and employee of the Company, received
3,000 shares as director fees in 1999. Mr. Kolbe also received consulting fees
from the Company totaling $16,667 in 1999. Mr. Kolbe also received $60,000 for
work performed for the Company. During 1999, the Company purchased cattle
totaling $302,305 from Mr. Kolbe and Mr. Kolbe's company purchased cattle from
the Company totaling $199,369.
Mr. Reisinger, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Kolbe are owners of a trucking
business that transported cattle for the Company. During 1999, this entity was
paid $148,403 for its services.
Mr. Reisinger and Mr. Walker are part owners of a trucking company that
transports cattle for the Company. During 1999, this entity was paid $8,927.
Mr. Dwayne Lewis, a director of the Company, was issued 3,000 shares of
Common Stock for services as a director. During 1999, the Company sold cattle to
his entity totaling $1,507,130 and purchased cattle totaling $12,073,894.
Mr. John Derner was paid a consulting fee of $16,667 from the Company
in 1999. He was also paid a salary of $60,000 as an employee. He was issued
3,000 shares of Common Stock for his services as a director of the Company. Mr.
Derner is an owner of an entity that purchases cattle from the Company. In 1999,
such purchases totaled approximately $860,088. Also during 1999, the Company
purchased cattle totaling $4,743,111 from a company owned by Mr. Derner. Mr.
Derner also provided an airplane for the use by the Company. The Company pays
Mr. Derner rent on the airplane. The Company makes payments for the pilot, fuel,
and expenses to third parties. The total of rent expense paid for 1999 was
$21,000.
Messrs. Holden and Daggett each were issued 3,000 shares of Common
Stock for their services as directors of the Company. Mr. Smit was issued 1,000
shares of Common Stock for his services as a director during 1999.
Mr. Harley Dillard, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, received
compensation in 1999 totaling $125,000. Mr. Dillard was also granted options to
purchase 60,000 shares of Common Stock during 1999.
Mr. John Schiering, the Chief Operating Officer of Red Oak Farms, Inc.,
the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, has an employment agreement that provides
for a monthly salary of $11,250. The initial term of the agreement is six months
effective January 1, 2000. The agreement may be renewed upon the mutual consent
of both parties for an additional two years. Mr. Schiering commutes from his
home in Carmel, Indiana. The Company pays his transportation costs and his
living expenses while in Red Oak. Upon the signing of the agreement, Mr.
Schiering was granted options to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock. The
options were granted and vested on January 1, 2000, and will expire on January
1, 2001. In the event Mr. Schiering is terminated without cause, he will be
entitled to his regular pro-rated salary for a one hundred and twenty day period
following notice of termination.
32
Mr. Pete Hudgins was paid $61,333 during 1999 in salary. The Company
provided Mr. Hudgins with an automobile. Compensation to Mr. Hudgins for vehicle
costs totaled $1,610 in 1999. During 1999, Mr. Hudgins and another employee of
the Company sold cattle to the Company totaling $158,984.
33
PART IV
ITEM 14. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Reports on Form 8-K.
Not applicable
(b) Exhibits. The following exhibits are included as part of this report:
Exhibit No. Exhibit's Description
- ----------- ---------------------
21.0 Subsidiaries of Registrant
27.0 Financial Data Schedule
34
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONTENTS
Pages
Independent Auditors' Reports .......................................... F-1-F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets ......................................... F-3-F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations ............................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity .......... F-6-F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ............................... F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ......................... F-9-F-26
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Red Oak
Hereford Farms, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of its
operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and its cash flows for the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2000, except as to Note 15
which date is as of April 19, 2000
F-1
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Board of Directors
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
Red Oak, Iowa
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, changes
in stockholders' equity and cash flows of Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. for the
year ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses and
negative cash flows from operations since its inception, and is in technical
non-compliance with certain loan agreements. In addition, subsequent to
year-end, the Company's lenders terminated their relationships with the Company.
These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as
a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also
described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments
that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
BDO Seidman, LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 28, 1998
F-2
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1999 and 1998
1999 1998
------------------ ------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash $ 17,067 $ 16,079
Restricted cash 415,295 208,742
Accounts receivable
Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,000 at
December 31, 1999 and 1998 790,363 765,262
Receivable due from factor 171,756 262,102
Related parties 364,372 13,379
Receivable due from stock subscriptions 277,000 -
Inventories 3,142,825 919,459
Prepaid expenses and other assets 69,799 106,668
------------------ ------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 5,248,477 2,291,691
------------------ ------------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost
Buildings and leasehold improvements 294,974 294,974
Equipment and vehicles 384,635 335,383
------------------ ------------------
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 679,609 630,357
Less accumulated depreciation (334,475) (286,787)
------------------ ------------------
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 345,134 343,570
------------------ ------------------
OTHER ASSETS
Receivables, noncurrent 192,591 -
Investment in partnership 24,600 40,961
Other assets 246,242 294,480
------------------ ------------------
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 463,433 335,441
------------------ ------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,057,044 $ 2,970,702
================== ==================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1999 and 1998
1999 1998
--------------- ----------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Checks in excess of bank balance $ 258,054 $ 119,490
Accounts payable
Trade 538,177 264,814
Related parties 1,599,583 1,846,680
Accrued expenses 457,783 641,334
Notes payable 1,615,000 850,000
Current maturities of long-term debt 2,421,484 1,115,424
Current maturities of deferred income 100,000 100,000
--------------- ----------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,990,081 4,937,742
--------------- ----------------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Deferred income 200,000 200,000
Long-term debt, less current maturities 2,471,360 1,163,815
--------------- ----------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 2,671,360 1,363,815
--------------- ----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 9,661,441 6,301,557
MINORITY INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (223,288) (103,822)
--------------- ----------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 16,025,415 shares for 1999 and 15,003,415 shares for 1998 16,025 15,003
Cumulative preferred stock, series A, $0.001 par value, authorized
200,000 shares; issued and outstanding 200,000 shares for 1998 - 200
Cumulative preferred stock, series B, $0.001 par value, authorized
1,200,000 shares; issued and outstanding 678,450 shares for 1999 678 -
Preferred stock, series C, $0.001 par value, authorized
2,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,201 shares for 1999 13 -
Additional paid-in capital 10,899,605 7,384,359
Retained deficit (14,297,430) (10,626,595)
--------------- ----------------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (3,381,109) (3,227,033)
--------------- ----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 6,057,044 $ 2,970,702
=============== ================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
1999 1998 1997
-------------- -------------- ---------------
NET SALES
Boxed beef $ 45,614,347 $ 36,545,948 $ 31,984,251
Cattle trading 22,169,023 28,016,784 60,249,120
Cattle trading sales to related parties 3,784,429 4,199,028 13,092,322
-------------- -------------- ---------------
TOTAL NET SALES 71,567,799 68,761,760 105,325,693
-------------- -------------- ---------------
COST OF GOODS SOLD
Cattle purchased for processing 19,307,758 17,601,849 24,942,513
Cattle purchased for processing from related parties 17,980,350 14,698,225 5,036,217
Cattle purchased for trading 24,503,449 30,299,854 66,707,330
Cattle purchased for trading from related parties 27,395 1,176,782 3,555,699
Other processing costs 6,402,533 3,569,205 2,628,937
Other trading costs 163,458 220,372 422,156
Loss on expired inventory 337,663 - -
-------------- -------------- ---------------
TOTAL COST OF GOODS SOLD 68,722,606 67,566,287 103,292,852
-------------- -------------- ---------------
GROSS PROFIT 2,845,193 1,195,473 2,032,841
-------------- -------------- ---------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling and distribution 2,891,880 3,075,737 3,414,137
General and administrative 2,453,065 2,836,510 2,836,508
-------------- -------------- ---------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 5,344,945 5,912,247 6,250,645
-------------- -------------- ---------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (2,499,752) (4,716,774) (4,217,804)
-------------- -------------- ---------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
Interest income 18,812 9,395 63,062
Interest expense (1,007,884) (432,271) (343,404)
Loss on sale of accounts receivable (233,079) (154,367) -
Loss from cattle feeding joint venture (68,398) (1,386,247) -
-------------- -------------- ---------------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) (1,290,549) (1,963,490) (280,342)
-------------- -------------- ---------------
LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS (3,790,301) (6,680,264) (4,498,146)
MINORITY INTERESTS 167,967 103,822 -
-------------- -------------- ---------------
NET LOSS (3,622,334) (6,576,442) (4,498,146)
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENT (10,234) (164,649) (17,010)
-------------- -------------- ---------------
NET LOSS APPLICABLE TO COMMON
STOCKHOLDERS $ (3,632,568) $ (6,741,091) $ (4,515,156)
============== ============== ===============
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE $ (0.23) $ (0.46) $ (0.33)
============== ============== ===============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 15,538,631 14,719,092 13,618,705
============== ============== ===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
Predecessors' Entities Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
---------------------- -----------------------------------------
Members' Partners' Common Preferred Stock
Equity Equity Stock Series A Series B
------ ------ ----- -------- --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ 12,005 $878,738 $ - $ - $ -
Purchase of treasury stock (31,000) - - - -
Distribution of joint venture - (60,459) - - -
Contributions of net assets of
predecessors to Red Oak
Hereford Farms, Inc. in exchange
for common stock 533,402 - 10,960 - -
Contributions of net assets of
Midland Cattle Company, Inc. in
exchange for common stock - (884,693) 1,538 200 -
Issuance of common stock
Sale of private placement - - 1,500 - -
Exercise of 400,000 stock options - - 400 - -
For services - - 32 - -
Stock offering costs - - - - -
Net income (loss) (514,407) 66,414 - - -
--------- --------- -------- ---------- ------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $ - $ - $ 14,430 $ 200 $ -
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-6
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative
Preferred Additional
Stock Paid-In Retained
Series C Capital Deficit Total
-------- ------- ------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 $ - $ - $ - $ 890,743
Purchase of treasury stock - - - (31,000)
Distribution of joint venture - - - (60,459)
Contributions of net assets of
predecessors to Red Oak
Hereford Farms, Inc. in exchange
for common stock - (517,500) - 26,862
Contributions of net assets of
Midland Cattle Company, Inc. in
exchange for common stock - 882,955 - -
Issuance of common stock
Sale of private placement - 4,498,500 - 4,500,000
Exercise of 400,000 stock options - 1,199,600 - 1,200,000
For services - 96,735 - 96,767
Stock offering costs - (421,685) - (421,685)
Net income (loss) - - (4,050,153) (4,498,146)
------ ---------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $ - $5,738,605 $(4,050,153) $1,703,082
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-7
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 (Continued)
Predecessors' Entities Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Members' Partners' Common Cumulative Preferred Stock
Equity Equity Stock Series A Series B
------ ------ ----- -------- --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $ - $ - $14,430 $ 200 $ -
Issuance of common stock
Sale of private placement - - 332 - -
For services - - 241 - -
Stock offering costs - - - - -
Net loss - - - - -
----- ------ ------- ---------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 - - 15,003 200 -
Issuance of common stock
For services - - 22 - -
Conversion of preferred stock
Series A - - 1,000 (200) -
Issuance of preferred stock
Series B - - - - 678
Series C - - - - -
Increase in ownership of Subsidiary - - - - -
Net loss - - - - -
----- ------ ------ ---------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1999 $ - $ - $16,025 $ - $ 678
===== ====== ======= ========= =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-8
Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Additional
Preferred Stock Paid-In Retained
Series C Capital Deficit Total
-------- ---------- ------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $ - $ 5,738,605 $ (4,050,153) $1,703,082
Issuance of common stock
Sale of private placement - 1,328,168 - 1,328,500
For services - 471,351 - 471,592
Stock offering costs - (153,765) - (153,765)
Net loss - - (6,576,442) (6,576,442)
----- ----------- ------------ -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 - 7,384,359 (10,626,595) (3,227,033)
Issuance of common stock
For services - 25,478 - 25,500
Conversion of preferred stock
Series A - (800) - -
Issuance of preferred stock
Series B - 3,391,571 - 3,392,249
Series C 13 98,997 - 99,010
Increase in ownership of Subsidiary - - (48,501) (48,501)
Net loss - - (3,622,334) (3,622,334)
----- ----------- ------------ -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1999 $ 13 $10,899,605 $(14,297,430) $(3,381,109)
===== =========== ============ ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-9
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
1999 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss $ (3,622,334) $ (6,576,442) $ (4,498,146)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 121,607 130,460 93,564
Services rendered in exchange for common stock 25,500 471,592 123,629
Loss from partnership 16,361 659,038 -
Minority interest in loss of subsidiary (167,967) (103,822) -
Loss on disposal of assets 1,872 - -
Changes in:
Accounts receivable (755,339) 2,982,761 470,677
Inventories (2,223,366) 69,731 31,841
Prepaid expenses 36,869 (10,264) 11,452
Checks in excess of bank balances 138,564 (131,969) (1,301,470)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,445,290 2,302,688 (453,150)
------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (3,982,943) (206,227) (5,521,603)
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of property - 17,417 -
Purchase of property and equipment (81,907) (62,406) (71,491)
Purchase of intangible assets (7,500) (250,000) -
Increase in restricted cash (206,553) (208,742) -
Change in other assets 12,602 (65,012) (9,844)
Investment in partnership - (200,000) (500,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (283,358) (768,743) (581,335)
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock - 1,174,735 5,278,315
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 3,491,259 - -
Net borrowings (payments) on lines of credit 175,000 (830,294) 424,076
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 1,000,000 656,326 -
Principal payments on notes payable - (246,326) -
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 19,181 350,000 524,560
Principal payments on long-term debt (418,151) (126,385) (19,561)
Purchase of treasury stock - - (31,000)
Distributions paid - - (60,459)
------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 4,267,289 978,056 6,115,931
------------ ------------ ------------
INCREASE IN CASH 988 3,086 12,993
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 16,079 12,993 -
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH, END OF YEAR $ 17,067 $ 16,079 $ 12,993
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-10
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(1) Summary of significant accounting policies
Nature of business and organization - Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. (the
"Company") is a Nevada corporation engaged in the business of selling
premium, branded, fresh beef to retail and food service markets through its
wholly owned subsidiary, Red Oak Farms, Inc. ("ROF"), buying and selling
feeder cattle in the wholesale markets through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Midland Cattle Company, Inc., an Iowa corporation ("Midland"), and
producing and selling beef jerky to retail markets through its 80% owned
subsidiary, My Favorite Jerky, LLC ("MFJ").
On March 14, 1997, Wild Wings, Inc. (now known as Red Oak Hereford
Farms, Inc.) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the
"Acquisition") with ROF. Pursuant to terms of the Acquisition, Wild Wings,
Inc. effected a reverse acquisition by acquiring all of the issued and
outstanding stock of ROF from the stockholders of ROF in exchange for
10,000,000 restricted shares of the $0.001 par value common stock plus
options to purchase an additional 3,000,000 shares of Wild Wings, Inc. As a
result of the Acquisition, ROF became a wholly owned subsidiary of Wild
Wings, Inc. At a special meeting of shareholders held March 14, 1997, the
shareholders approved the Acquisition and voted to change the company name
from Wild Wings, Inc. to Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc. For accounting
purposes, ROF is deemed to be the acquiring corporation and, therefore, the
transaction is being accounted for as a reverse acquisition of the Company
by ROF at historical cost. Prior to March 14, 1997, Wild Wings, Inc.
operated a hunting club and had insignificant operations; accordingly, the
accompanying financial statements reflect the financial position and
results of ROF.
In February 1997, ROF was formed with members of Mid-Ag, LLC, a limited
liability company, contributing the assets and liabilities of Mid-Ag, LLC
to ROF in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of ROF. ROF was
acquired by the Company in the transaction described above.
On May 19, 1997, as a condition of the Acquisition stated above, the
Board of Directors of the Company approved an agreement to exchange stock
pursuant to which the Company issued 1,538,462 restricted common shares of
the Company in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Midland. As a result of this transaction, Midland became a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company. For accounting purposes, the Company and Midland
were deemed to be under common control and, therefore, the transaction is
being accounted for in a manner similar to pooling of interests, whereby
assets and liabilities are reported at historical values. Accordingly, the
financial statements have been restated to include the accounts and
operations of Midland.
On December 12, 1997, the Company formed a subsidiary, Red Oak Feeders,
LLC, an Iowa limited liability company ("Feeders"), to develop a supply of
Premium Hereford Beef ("PHB") for the Company by financing the feeding of
PHB cattle for sale to ROF. Feeders issued notes to experienced cattle
investors and used the proceeds for a joint venture, Quality Feeders
("Quality"), a Nebraska partnership with MoorMan's, Inc. ("MoorMan").
Quality, whose operations commenced in January 1998, feeds and raises PHB
to provide a supply of PHB cattle to meet customer demands. Quality buys
cattle from Midland and others, places the cattle in feedlots and oversees
the feeding pursuant to PHB standards. This investment is being accounted
for under the equity method of accounting.
During the third quarter 1998, the Company formed two new subsidiaries,
Here's The Beef Corp. ("HTB") and My Favorite Jerky, LLC ("MFJ"). The
Company owns 80% of HTB and a minority shareholder, Cable Print
Network/Marketing, Inc., owns 20%. HTB was created for the purpose of
beginning a multi-media distribution network. MFJ was originally owned 60%
by the Company and 40% by McClellan Creek Gourmet Meats, Inc.
("McClellan"). The Company acquired an additional 20% ownership interest in
MFG on January 1, 1999. MFJ was established to produce, market and sell a
natural style beef jerky.
The Company extends unsecured credit to customers predominantly located
in the Southwest and Midwest United States.
F-11
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(1) Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Revenue recognition - The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment.
Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, ROF,
Midland, Feeders, and its 80% owned subsidiaries, HTB and MFJ. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Inventory - All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market
determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. During 1998, the
Company began hedging cattle inventories and fed cattle purchase contracts
to the extent considered practicable for minimizing risks from market price
fluctuations. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on futures and
option contracts that qualify as hedges are deferred until the related
inventories are sold or purchase contracts are settled. Those realized and
unrealized gains and losses are considered in determining net realizable
value for lower of cost or market calculations for related inventories.
Property and equipment - Property and equipment are stated at cost and
depreciated over the estimated useful life of each asset, primarily 3 to 15
years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease
term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Annual depreciation
and amortization are primarily computed using accelerated methods.
Other assets - The Company has various other assets, including a
licensing agreement and loan and grant origination costs. Amortization is
computed using the straight-line method over the following lives: licensing
agreement, 15 years; loan and grant origination costs, the life of the
agreements.
Deferred income - Deferred income consists of two grants from the Iowa
Department of Economic Development. The first was for $100,000 received in
1995 to form a Certified Hereford Beef Program. If ROF meets certain
conditions, grant repayment will be permanently waived and the income will
be recognized. If the requirements are not met, this deferred income will
become a note payable.
In 1996, ROF received an additional grant for $200,000 to plan, market
or construct a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility in southwest
Iowa by June 2001. This grant will be amortized into income at such time as
the plant is completed. If the requirements are not met, this deferred
income will become a note payable over five years with interest at a rate
of 8.25%.
The grants are collateralized by substantially all of ROF's assets and
guaranteed by the Company's president.
Advertising costs - Advertising costs, consisting primarily of
marketing material for the promotion of beef and jerky products and for
investor promotional information, are expensed as incurred. Total
advertising costs were $227,415, $279,698, and $762,762 in 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
Income taxes - The Company effectively began operations as of March 14,
1997, and operates as a regular corporation. The predecessor entities,
Mid-Ag, a limited liability company, and Midland Cattle Company, a joint
venture, were taxed as partnerships, with income tax liabilities on the
taxable income being assumed by the members and partners, respectively.
Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been reflected in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements for these entities.
F-12
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(1) Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the tax effects
of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax
assets if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be
realized.
Basic and diluted loss per common share - In February 1997, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128"), "Earnings Per Share," which the
Company has adopted. Pursuant to SFAS 128, the Company has replaced the
reporting of "primary" earnings per share ("EPS") with "basic" EPS. Basic
EPS is calculated by dividing the income (loss) available to common
stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities.
"Fully diluted" EPS has been replaced with "diluted" EPS which is
determined similarly to fully diluted EPS under the provisions of APB
Opinion No. 15.
For all periods presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations,
the effect of including stock options and warrants would have been
antidilutive. Accordingly, basic and diluted EPS for all periods presented
are equivalent.
Recent accounting pronouncements - In June 1998, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes methods of
accounting for derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
related to those instruments as well as other hedging activities and is
effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000, as amended by
SFAS No. 137. The Company believes that adoption of this pronouncement will
have no material impact on the Company's financial position and results
from operations.
Financial instruments - Financial instruments which potentially subject
the Company to concentrations of risk consist principally of temporary cash
investments and accounts receivable. The Company invests its temporary cash
balances in financial instruments of highly rated financial institutions
with maturities of less than three months. The accounts receivable are from
numerous entities located throughout the United States and the associated
credit risks are evaluated by management and considered limited. The
carrying values reflected in the balance sheets reasonably approximate the
fair values for cash, accounts receivable, payables, accruals and debt.
Reclassifications - Certain amounts in the 1998 and 1997 financial
statements have been reclassified to agree with the 1999 presentation.
(2) Operating losses
The Company has suffered recurring losses since its inception due to
its start-up nature in establishing a premium branded Hereford beef
product.
Negative factors for the Company in addition to recurring operating
losses include working capital deficiencies, negative net worth, negative
cash flows from operations, technical noncompliance with certain financial
conditions of its inventory line of credit, and new competition in the
Hereford beef market. Positive factors for the Company include additional
capital infusions and conversions of short-term debt to long-term debt
(Notes 7 and 11), an increase in beef sales and gross margin in 1999
compared to 1998, and a decrease in the net loss for 1999 compared to 1998.
F-13
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(2) Operating losses (continued)
Management is in the process of completing private placement offerings
of preferred stock and conversions of debt to equity (Note 15). Sales
efforts are being made to effect changes in the product mix of premium beef
sales and to increase the volume percentage of branded versus commodity
sales. In addition, REW Marketing, Inc., the Company's sales broker, has
indicated substantial purchase commitments from customers at profitable
margins for new products such as pre-cooked beef, deli beef, beef jerky
sticks, beef jerky in 4 oz. bags, and imported salmon. The Company has
developed an operating plan including operating budgets to facilitate
monthly analysis of operations. Management believes these steps will
enhance the Company's ability to achieve favorable operating results.
(3) Related party transactions
The Company sells cattle to certain companies which are owned by
members of the Company's management or Board of Directors. The Company also
purchases cattle and feed from these same entities. Additionally, both
Midland and ROF utilize trucking companies that are owned by members of the
Company's management or Board of Directors. The activity between the
Company and these related parties at and for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997 is as follows:
1999 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------
Sales $ 3,784,429 $ 4,199,028 $ 13,092,322
Purchases 18,007,745 15,875,007 8,591,916
Accounts receivable 364,372 13,379 1,102,565
Accounts payable 1,599,583 1,846,680 54,528
Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
ROF purchased cattle from Midland in the amounts of $23,912, $442,084, and
$358,796, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998,
MFJ purchased beef from ROF in the amounts of $10,495 and $41,750,
respectively. Such intercompany purchases are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company leases office space owned by a related party under two
one-year leases dated March 1, 1999, which provide for monthly rent
payments totaling $4,000. On March 1, 2000, the Company renewed its
corporate office leases for an additional year for the same monthly rent
payments.
During the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company
paid management fees of $80,000, $179,999, and $376,960, respectively, to
affiliates.
During 1998 and 1997, the Company adopted various stock based
compensation plans through which it granted stock options to officers,
directors, and employees (Note 11).
To insure a sufficient supply of PHB, the Company entered into
financing arrangements, i.e. repurchase agreements, with related parties.
The cattle are purchased by the Company and then "sold" to a related party
for feeding. When the cattle are the correct weight, they are repurchased
by the Company for meat processing. The Company's agreement with the
related party is that the Company retains the benefit from any gains on the
cattle and the risk of any losses. In addition, the Company reimburses the
related party for any costs incurred on the cattle, such as grain, vet,
yardage, etc., as well as pays interest on the funds advanced by the
related party to "purchase" the cattle and to pay other expenses related to
the cattle. Cattle financed under these agreements totaled $1,161,469 and
$1,089,028 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
Additional feeding costs paid to related parties totaled $284,006 and
$841,217 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
F-14
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(3) Related party transactions (continued)
In conjunction with the Company's cattle feeding joint venture with
MoorMan, Cimarron Properties, Ltd. (Cimarron), which is owned by the
Company's president, purchased cattle for the PHB program. The Company
incurred feeding costs of $52,037, and $727,209 on these cattle during the
years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company has notes payable to
stockholders totaling $3,393,290 and $1,070,000, respectively. In addition,
the Company has notes payable to joint venture partners totaling $1,976,103
and $1,210,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
On December 28, 1999, the Company entered into a settlement agreement
to restructure the Company's outstanding indebtedness to MoorMan and
Quality, and guarantees on notes due MoorMan from the Company's president
and from Cimarron, with outstanding balances at December 28, 1999 of
$966,971 and $1,095,810, respectively. Subsequent to the settlement, the
Company and the Company's president will guarantee a note payable of
$311,396 to MoorMan from Cimarron. (Note 7).
(4) Restricted cash
Restricted cash of $325,295 represents certificates of deposit which
secure a letter of credit of $415,000. The letter of credit is also secured
by property owned by the Company's president and the guarantees of the
president and a director. The letter of credit expires on February 22,
2001.
Restricted cash of $90,000 represents certificates of deposit which are
required as a payment guarantee by Budelpack Co-Packers, B.V., which will
package jerky for European markets.
(5) Factoring agreement
On April 20, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement whereby it
sells selected accounts receivable without recourse to KBK Financial, Inc.
("KBK"). The Company received $31,077,233 and $20,581,776 in proceeds from
the transfer of its receivables during the years ended December 31, 1999
and 1998, respectively. KBK maintains a reserve for delinquencies and
claims. The amounts held by KBK at December 31, 1999 and 1998 were $171,756
and $262,102, respectively, which are reflected as due from factor on the
balance sheet. The agreement provides for a 0.75% fixed discount on the
accounts sold . These discounts totaled $233,079 and $154,367 during the
years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and are presented on
the statements of operations as loss from sale of accounts receivables. In
addition, the agreement provides for an interest charge of KBK's base rate
plus two percent per annum on amounts advanced but not yet collected by
KBK.
(6) Inventories
Inventories at December 31, 1999 and 1998 consisted of the following:
1999 1998
----------- ---------
Boxed beef $ 1,029,808 $ 635,202
Packaged jerky - 33,945
Cattle 1,938,114 121,454
Other 174,903 128,858
----------- ---------
Total inventory $ 3,142,825 $ 919,459
=========== =========
Loss on expired inventory, presented on the statements of operations in
cost of goods sold, represents jerky inventory which was near expiration at
December 31, 1999.
F-15
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(7) Notes payable and long-term debt
Short-term notes payable consisted of the following at December 31,
1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
----------- ---------
Revolving line of credit (A) $ 615,000 $ 440,000
Note payable to stockholder (B) - 410,000
Note payable to stockholder (C) 1,000,000 -
----------- ---------
Total short-term notes payable $ 1,615,000 $ 850,000
=========== =========
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 1999 and
1998:
1999 1998
----------- -----------
Note payable to stockholder (B) $ 466,480 $ -
IDED installment note (D) 436,447 458,047
MoorMan's, Inc. (E) 1,788,604 1,000,000
Feeders' notes (F) 450,000 550,000
Equipment notes (G) 56,323 61,192
McClellan Creek Gourmet Meat (H) 187,500 210,000
Wall Lake Cattle Company (I) 325,924 -
Note payable to stockholder (J) 1,181,566 -
----------- -----------
Subtotal 4,892,844 2,279,239
Less current maturities (2,421,484) (1,115,424)
----------- -----------
Total long-term debt, less current maturities $ 2,471,360 $ 1,163,815
=========== ===========
Aggregate annual maturities of notes payable and long-term debt are as
follows:
2000 $ 4,036,487
2001 475,809
2002 1,987,868
2003 7,680
-----------
Total $ 6,507,844
===========
The carrying amounts approximate fair value for the above debt
instruments since the interest rates vary based on the prime rate.
(A) On April 20, 1998, ROF entered into an agreement with KBK to
provide an asset based line of credit. The line provides borrowings up
to $1,500,000 based on eligible inventory. The line of credit was
renewed January 15, 2000 and matures on April 15, 2000, with interest
due on the 15th day of each month. Interest is based on a fluctuating
rate per annum (13.50% at December 31, 1999). The line of credit is
collateralized by substantially all of the subsidiary's assets and
personal guarantees of the Company's president and a director. The
Company is in technical noncompliance on certain financial conditions
of its loan agreement with KBK, which gives KBK the right to call the
loan. However, KBK has given no indication of any intention to call
this obligation.
F-16
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(7) Notes payable and long-term debt (continued)
(B) A major stockholder loaned the Company $150,000 on June 25, 1998,
and an additional $260,000 on August 13, 1998. The short-term notes
payable were restructured as long-term debt during 1999. Principal and
interest of 9.00% per annum are due October 15, 2002. Accrued interest
of $56,480 is noncurrent and is reflected in the note payable balance.
The Company granted a security interest to the stockholder in all of
the common stock of HTB that the Company owns.
(C) On September 15, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement with
a stockholder to provide a revolving line of credit which matures on
March 16, 2000. The line provides borrowings of up to $1,000,000 with
interest chargeable at 20.00% per annum. As additional compensation,
the stockholder has the option to convert the value of the interest on
this line of credit into common stock at $1.50 per share through
September 15, 2001.
(D) Installment note payable to the Iowa Department of Economic
Development; payable in quarterly installments of $14,602 including
interest of 8.25%, with final payment due on July 15, 2001 of
$409,716. The note is subordinated to KBK line of credit (A) of ROF
and is guaranteed up to $300,000 by the Company's president.
(E) On December 28, 1999, the Company entered into a settlement
agreement to restructure the Company's outstanding indebtedness to
MoorMan and Quality, and guarantees on notes due MoorMan from the
Company's president and from Cimarron, with outstanding balances at
December 28, 1999 of $966,971 and $1,095,810, respectively. Subsequent
to the settlement, the Company and the Company's president will
guarantee a note payable of $311,396 to MoorMan from Cimarron. Under
the terms of the agreement, MoorMan restructured various debts of the
Company into one note, repayable at $250,000 on December 28, 1999,
$1,500,000 on February 15, 2000 and monthly principal payments of
$24,050 plus 8.50% interest beginning March 1, 2000 through February
1, 2001. The note is subordinated to the KBK line of credit (A) of
ROF.
(F) On December 31, 1997, Feeders received proceeds of $500,000 from
the issuance of three loans payable to stockholders for financing the
feeding of PHB cattle. The loans are due on December 31, 2000, and
bear interest at the rate of 10.00% paid annually. On January 14,
1998, Feeders received an additional $100,000 from a fourth loan with
the same terms. An early payment of $50,000 was made on one of the
loans in 1998. During 1999, one of the loans was paid in full with a
principal payment of $100,000 plus accrued interest.
(G) Three installment notes due in monthly payments totaling $1,796 in
1999 and $1,389 in 1998. The interest rates vary between 0.90% and
8.95%. The notes are secured by vehicles. In addition, the Company
entered into a lease agreement to obtain computer equipment on March
26, 1998. This agreement is classified as a capital lease. The lease
is payable $829 per month through June 1, 2003.
(H) On July 1, 1998, an agreement was entered into by the Company,
McClellan and MFJ. McClellan agreed to transfer and assign to MFJ all
its rights to its natural style beef jerky. In partial consideration
for such conveyance, MFJ agreed to pay $250,000 to McClellan as
follows: $10,000 upon execution of the agreement, four $10,000 monthly
installments beginning August 1998, $12,500 on December 1, 1998,
$50,000 on December 31, 1999, and $137,500 on December 31, 2000.
F-17
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(7) Notes payable and long-term debt (continued)
(I) During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company converted
$286,240 of cattle payables due to a company owned by the Company's
Chairman to long-term debt. Principal and interest of 9.00% per annum
are due October 15, 2002. Accrued interest of $39,684 is noncurrent
and is reflected in the note payable balance.
(J) During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company converted
$1,159,550 of cattle payables due to a major stockholder to long-term
debt. Principal and interest of 9.00% per annum are due October 15,
2002. Accrued interest of $22,016 is noncurrent and is reflected in
the note payable balance.
(8) Financial instruments and hedging activities
The Company has only limited involvement with derivative financial
instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. They are used to
manage well-defined commodity price risks. Specifically, the Company uses
futures and option contracts to reduce price volatility of fed cattle.
These contracts permit settlement by delivery of commodities. At December
31, 1999, there were no unsettled futures or options contracts. The Company
had outstanding cattle purchase contracts for fed cattle totaling
approximately 1,245,000 pounds, purchased on the rail.
Since these contracts qualify as hedges and correlate to price
movements of inventory and cattle contracts, any gains or losses resulting
from market changes will be offset by losses or gains on the Company's
hedged inventory purchase contracts. Total unrealized gains for the
Company's cattle hedging activities were approximately $35,600 at December
31, 1998. Total realized gains for the Company's cattle hedging activities
were $26,968 for the year ended December 31, 1999.
(9) Income taxes
The accompanying consolidated financial statements contain no provision
for income taxes due to net operating losses. The effective tax rate
differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 34% and the Iowa
income tax rate of 12% due to the fact that tax benefits have been offset
by the valuation allowance described below due to the uncertainty of the
Company's ability to utilize them in future periods.
The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred taxes
were:
1999 1998
------------ ------------
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss carry forwards $ 5,965,680 $ 4,452,000
Valuation allowance (5,965,680) (4,452,000)
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax assets $ - $ -
=========== ===========
As of December 31, 1999, the Company had approximately $14,204,000 of
unused operating loss carryforwards which expire by December 31, 2019.
F-18
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(10) Commitments and contingencies
Noncancellable operating leases - The Company leases certain office
equipment and property under noncancellable operating leases expiring in
various years. Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 1999, are as
follows:
2000 $ 133,231
2001 116,980
2002 39,985
2003 39,600
2004 39,600
---------
Future minimum lease payments $ 369,396
=========
Total rent expense related to these leases was $171,428, $66,494, and
$107,486 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Exclusive license and royalty agreement - The Company originally
entered into an agreement on September 6, 1994, with the AHA for the
exclusive license and right to process, distribute and sell Certified
Hereford Beef ("CHB") under the CHB trademark. This original agreement was
replaced by an agreement dated March 14, 1997. The AHA works in conjunction
with the Company, providing marketing assistance, as well as pricing and
promotional strategies, to the Company's major customers. The agreement
required the Company to maintain certain cattle processing standards and
process a certain number of CHB cattle. In addition, the agreement required
the Company to pay the AHA a minimum royalty fee calculated for CHB cattle
processed of $850,000, $725,000 and $500,000 for the years ended December
31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company incurred royalty fees to
the AHA of approximately $524,000 and $500,000 in 1998 and 1997.
On January 1, 1999, ROF terminated its prior agreement with AHA and
entered into a new agreement. As part of the termination agreement, ROF
agreed to pay $24,195 of accrued royalty fees and an additional $200,000
payable in four quarterly installments of $50,000 beginning March 31, 1999.
The additional $200,000 was accrued and charged to operations for the year
ended December 31, 1998. The new nonexclusive license agreement provides
for a per head fee for each head of cattle processed as CHB. Pursuant to
the license agreement, ROF may use the AHA trademark and program
information. The agreement automatically renews for one year on the
anniversary date. The Company incurred $202,855 for royalty fees in 1999.
The balance due AHA including interest as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 was
$202,062 and $224,195, respectively.
Major customers and suppliers - During 1999, pursuant to its slaughter
and fabrication agreement, the Company's meat packer purchased cattle and
other products representing 16.7% of total revenues. In addition, two
related party feeders supplied cattle totaling 28.6% of cost of goods sold
and an additional feeder supplied cattle totaling 10.1% of cost of goods
sold. During 1998, pursuant to its slaughter and fabrication agreement, the
Company's meat packer purchased cattle and other products representing
12.0% of total revenues. In addition, one feeder supplied cattle totaling
10.0% of cost of goods sold. For the year ended December 31, 1997, there
were no customers or suppliers which exceeded 10.0% of revenues or cost of
goods sold.
Legal proceedings - To the knowledge of management, there is no
material litigation pending or threatened against the Company or its
management.
Purchase contracts - In order to ensure a steady supply of PHB and to
keep the cost of products stable, the Company has entered into contracts
with producers for the purchase of cattle. Under these contracts, the
Company is committed at December 31, 1999 to purchase cattle at an
estimated cost of $1,395,000 in 2000.
F-19
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(11) Stockholders' equity
Issuance of common stock - During 1997, the Company completed a private
placement offering and issued 1,500,000 units, each unit comprising one
common share and one common stock purchase warrant, for $3.00 per unit. The
common stock purchase warrants are callable at $0.001 per share on 30 days'
notice and grant the holder the right to purchase common stock at $5.00 per
share. The Company raised $4,500,000 through this offering before deducting
offering expenses of $421,685.
On January 14, 1998, the Company began a private placement offering to
issue up to 840,000 units, each unit comprising one common share and one
common stock purchase warrant, for $4.00 per unit. The common stock
purchase warrants are callable at $.10 per share upon 60 days' notice and
grant the holder the right to purchase common stock at $6.00 per share. The
private placement offering was closed on September 14, 1998. The Company
raised $1,328,500 through the sale of 332,125 units before deducting
offering expenses of $153,585.
On September 30, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors granted 150,000
shares of common stock to three directors in recognition of the outstanding
service provided by each individual. As a result of the grant of common
stock, the Company recognized $257,892 of compensation expense. Also, on
September 30, 1998, the Company granted 50,000 shares of common stock for
consulting services to Andrew Glashow and Empire Management Ltd. As a
result of this grant, the Company recorded an expense totaling $86,000.
In 1999 and 1998, the Company's Board of Directors resolved that each
director shall receive 1,000 shares of common stock for each meeting
attended during the year as consideration for participation in each board
meeting. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had granted 22,000
and 32,000 shares, respectively, and recognized a total of $25,500 and
$87,708, respectively, in director compensation expense for all board
meetings held to date.
Potential issuance of additional preferred stock - The Company is
authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, the rights
and preferences of which may be designated in series by the Board of
Directors. To the extent of such authorization, such designations may be
made without stockholder approval.
Issuance of preferred stock - As part of the Company's acquisition of
Midland, the Company authorized issuance of 200,000 shares of 1997 Series A
nonvoting preferred stock pursuant to an agreement with the former
stockholders of Midland. The rights and preferences of the preferred stock
include a liquidation preference of $5.00 per share, plus an amount equal
to any accrued and unpaid dividends at a rate of $0.042 per share per
month, plus 10.0% interest to the payment date, before any payment or
distribution is made to the holders of common stock. At December 31, 1998,
cumulative dividends in arrears plus interest aggregate $164,649 ($0.01 per
share).
On June 23, 1999, the Company ratified the redemption of the 200,000
issued and outstanding shares of nonvoting preferred stock Series A in
exchange for 1,000,000 shares of restricted common stock according to a 5:1
conversion ratio. In addition, it was resolved and authorized that no
accrued dividends will be paid on the nonvoting preferred stock Series A as
per the agreement with the holders of such stock.
F-20
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(11) Stockholders' equity (continued)
On September 29, 1998, the Company's board of directors approved a
private placement offering of 800,000 shares of Series B 4% cumulative
convertible nonvoting preferred stock at $5.00 per share. On November 5,
1998, the offering was amended to increase the number of shares to
1,200,000 and to include one common stock warrant with each share of
preferred stock sold. In addition, the offering time was extended to
February 22, 1999. On December 7, 1999, the Company extended its offering
of Series B 4% convertible preferred stock until January 29, 2000. The
placement offering broke escrow on November 11, 1999. Cumulative dividends
in arrears plus interest aggregated $10,234 at December 31, 1999.
On July 30, 1999, the Company's board of directors approved a private
placement offering of 2,000,000 shares of Series C convertible nonvoting
preferred stock at $7.50 per share. On December 20, 1999, the Company
extended its offering of Series C convertible preferred stock until March
22, 2000.
Outstanding warrants - The Company had the following classes of
warrants outstanding at December 31, 1999:
Class Shares Price per Share
- ------------------------- ---------------- ------------------
A 960,000 $4.00
B 960,000 $4.50
C 960,000 $5.00
1998 private placement 1,500,000 $5.00
1999 private placement 332,125 $6.00
Class A, B and C are not exercisable until a registration statement is
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is in effect for the
shares underlying the warrants. The warrants may be exercised for a period
of two years after the date of the registration statements.
Outstanding stock options - In connection with the acquisition of ROF,
the Company has granted options to purchase 3,000,000 shares of stock
between March 17, 1997 and March 17, 2002. To date, none of these options
have been exercised. The shares are exercisable as follows:
Shares Price per Share
------------ ---------------------
1,000,000 $8.00
1,000,000 $10.00
1,000,000 $12.00
In 1997, the Company's board authorized issuance of options to purchase
up to 5,000 shares at $6.75 per share to each director (for a total of
35,000 options) in exchange for service on the board.
Stock option plans - The Company's predecessor, Wild Wings, Inc., had
allocated and issued options for 400,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, exercisable at $3.00 per share, pursuant to the 1995 Stock Option
Plan. These options were exercised in 1997.
In 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 Stock Option Plan and allocated
1,000,000 shares of common stock to the Plan. At December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, options to purchase 378,000, 548,000 and 758,000 shares of common
stock of the Company, exercisable at $4.25 to $6.75 per share, were
outstanding under this plan. The options vest over one to five years and
expire in five to ten years.
F-21
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(11) Stockholders' equity (continued)
On May 8, 1998, the Company adopted the 1998 Stock Option Plan and
allocated 1,000,000 shares of Company stock to the plan. At December 31,
1999 and 1998, options to purchase 635,000 and 670,000 shares,
respectively, of the Company's common stock, exercisable at $1.50 to $5.00
per share, were outstanding under this plan. The options vest over one to
five years and expire in five to ten years.
The Company accounts for stock options under APB Opinion No. 25, under
which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost been
determined consistent with FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's net loss
and loss per share would have been increased to the following pro forma
amounts:
1999 1998 1997
------------- -------------- --------------
Net Loss As Reported $ (3,622,334) $ (6,576,492) $ (4,498,146)
Pro Forma $ (3,688,364) $ (6,869,862) $ (4,691,472)
Loss Per Share As Reported $ (0.23) $ (0.46) $ (0.33)
Pro Forma $ (0.24) $ (0.47) $ (0.35)
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December
31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, and changes during the years then ended is
presented below:
Weighted Average
-------------------------
Exercise Price per Remaining
Shares Price Share Life - Years
------------ ------------ ---------- -------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1996 400,000 $ 3.00
Granted 976,500 $ 4.25-$6.50 $ 4.85 10.0
Forfeited (218,500) $ 5.00 $ 5.00
Exercised (400,000) $ 3.00
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1997 758,000 $ 4.85 10.0
Granted 750,000 $ 1.75-$4.75 $ 2.41 10.0
Forfeited (205,000) $ 4.75-$5.00 $ 5.00
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1998 1,303,000 $3.37 9.6
Granted 165,000 $ 1.50-$2.50 $ 2.11 10.0
Forfeited (455,000) $ 1.75-$5.00 $ 3.32
------------
Outstanding, December 31, 1999 1,013,000 $ 3.02 8.8
============
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the
grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions used for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 5.70%, 5.60% and
6.39%; expected dividend yields of 0.00% in all three years; expected
volatility of 136%, 88% and 62%, respectively; and expected option life of
five years in all three years. At December 31, 1999, 387,200 of the
outstanding options were exercisable.
As of December 31, 1999, a total of 2,000,000 shares of common stock
has been reserved for outstanding stock options granted under the 1998 and
1997 Stock Option Plans.
F-22
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(12) Losses from cattle feeding joint venture
Losses from cattle feeding joint ventures for the years ended December
31, 1999 and 1998, consisted of losses from Quality of $16,361 and
$659,038, respectively, and additional losses of $53,285 and $727,209,
respectively, incurred in feeding cattle which was purchased for sale to
Quality.
(13) Supplemental cash flows information
1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- ---------
Cash paid during the year for interest $ 706,765 $ 361,204 $ 364,611
Noncash transactions:
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company financed the
acquisition of computer equipment with a $39,897 capital lease and the
acquisition of a vehicle with a $15,018 note.
During 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company issued common stock in exchange
for services rendered totaling $25,500, $471,592 and $123,629,
respectively.
Effective January 1, 1999, the Company acquired additional 20%
ownership in one of its subsidiaries. As a result, the deficit in minority
interest carried forward from the year ended December 31, 1998, was reduced
and the deficit in retained earnings was increased by $48,501.
On December 28, 1999, the Company entered into a settlement agreement
in order to restructure the Company's outstanding indebtedness to MoorMan.
As a result, accounts payable, related parties of $318,972, a note payable
of $386,517 and accrued interest of $333,115 have been consolidated with a
single note payable to MoorMan (Note 7 - E).
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company converted cattle
payables of $386,517, $286,240 and $1,159,550, to long-term debt (Note 7 -
E, I, J).
During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company converted $410,000
of short-term notes payable to long-term debt (Note 7 - B).
(14) Reportable segments
The Company has four reportable segments: boxed beef, cattle trading,
cattle feeding and beef jerky. The boxed beef segment produces and sells
branded fresh beef to retail and food service markets. The cattle trading
segment buys and sells feeder cattle in wholesale markets. The cattle
feeding segment feeds Hereford cattle to insure a consistent supply of PHB.
The beef jerky segment commenced activities in 1998 and produces and sells
beef jerky to wholesale and retail food distributors.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described
in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates
performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes.
The Company accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales
or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market rates. The
Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer
different products and services. They are managed separately because each
business requires different management and marketing strategies.
F-23
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(14) Reportable segments (continued)
Reportable segment profit or loss and segment assets and liabilities
for the year ended December 31, 1999, were as follows:
Boxed Cattle Cattle Beef All
Beef Trading Feeding Jerky Others Totals
------------- ----------- ---------- --------- ---------- -----------
Revenues from external customers $ 45,500,167 $25,953,452 $ - $ 114,180 $ - $71,567,799
Intersegment revenues 10,495 61,740 - - - 72,235
Interest revenue 6,520 - - - 12,292 18,812
Interest expense 756,313 40,407 75,872 - 135,292 1,007,884
Equity in net loss of joint venture - - (16,362) - - (16,362)
Depreciation and amortization 75,881 23,075 1,281 19,495 1,875 121,607
Segment profit (loss) (2,226,447) 116,193 (102,363) (838,546) (571,171) (3,622,334)
Other significant noncash items:
Fees paid with common stock - - - - 7,875 7,875
Loss from partnership - - 52,037 - - 52,037
Segment assets 2,933,324 2,635,065 1,424,990 487,726 6,247,108 13,728,213
Expenditures for segment assets 48,737 14,373 - 18,797 - 81,907
Reconciliation of segment revenues, profit or loss, and assets for the
year ended December 31, 1999, were as follows:
Revenues
Total revenues for reportable segments $ 71,640,034
Other revenues -
Elimination of intersegment revenues (72,235)
--------------
Total consolidated revenue $ 71,567,799
==============
Profit or loss
Total profit or loss for reportable segments $ (3,051,163)
Other profit or loss (571,171)
--------------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary items $ (3,622,334)
==============
Assets
Total assets for reportable segments $ 7,481,105
Other assets 6,247,108
Elimination of intersegment receivables (7,671,169)
--------------
Consolidated total $ 6,057,044
==============
F-24
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(14) Reportable segments (continued)
Segment Consolidated
Totals Adjustments Totals
---------- ----------- ------------
Interest revenue $ 6,520 $ 12,292 $ 18,812
Interest expense 872,592 135,292 1,007,884
Expenditures for assets 81,907 - 81,907
Depreciation and amortization 119,732 1,875 121,607
Adjustments consist of revenues and expenses of the parent company.
Reportable segment profit or loss and segment assets and liabilities
for the year ended December 31, 1998, were as follows:
Boxed Cattle Cattle Beef All
Beef Trading Feeding Jerky Others Totals
------------- ------------- ------------ --------- ----------- -------------
Revenues from external customers $ 36,545,948 $ 32,215,812 $ - $ - $ - $ 68,761,760
Intersegment revenues 41,750 400,334 - - - 442,084
Interest revenue 9,026 - (1,850) - 2,219 9,395
Interest expense 307,403 50,502 58,045 - 16,321 432,271
Equity in net loss of joint
venture - - (659,038) - - (659,038)
Depreciation and amortization 87,161 28,061 1,281 8,333 5,624 130,460
Segment loss (2,871,808) (247,678) (2,290,887) (242,505) (923,564) (6,576,442)
Other significant noncash items
Fees paid with common stock - - - - 471,592 471,592
Loss from partnership - - (659,038) - - (659,038)
Segment assets 1,879,402 2,217,884 145,939 357,541 2,441,462 7,042,228
Expenditures for assets 62,406 - 200,000 - - 262,406
F-25
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(14) Reportable segments (continued)
Reconciliation of segment revenues, profit or loss, and assets for the
year ended December 31, 1998, were as follows:
Revenues
Total revenues for reportable segments $ 69,203,844
Other revenues -
Elimination of intersegment revenues (442,084)
---------------
Total consolidated revenue $ 68,761,760
===============
Profit or loss
Total profit or loss for reportable segments $ (5,652,878)
Other profit or loss (923,564)
---------------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary items $ (6,576,442)
===============
Assets
Total assets for reportable segments $ 4,600,766
Other assets 2,441,462
Elimination of intersegment receivables (4,071,526)
---------------
Consolidated total $ 2,970,702
===============
Segment Consolidated
Totals Adjustments Totals
---------- ------------ -------------
Interest revenue $ 7,176 $ 2,219 $ 9,395
Interest expense 415,950 16,321 432,271
Expenditures for assets 262,406 - 262,406
Depreciation and amortization 124,836 5,624 130,460
Adjustments consist of revenues and expenses of the parent company.
F-26
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(14) Reportable segments (continued)
Reportable segment profit or loss and segment assets and liabilities
for the year ended December 31, 1997, were as follows:
Boxed Cattle Cattle All
Beef Trading Feeding Others Totals
------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
Revenues from external customers $ 31,984,251 $ 73,341,442 $ - $ - $105,325,693
Intersegment revenues - 358,796 - - 358,796
Interest revenue 18,245 24,436 - 20,381 63,062
Interest expense 171,447 171,957 - - 343,404
Depreciation and amortization 55,106 26,484 - 11,974 93,564
Segment profit (loss) (3,638,685) 414,325 (475,757) (798,029) (4,498,146)
Equity in net loss of joint
venture - - - - -
Other significant noncash items
Fees paid with common stock - - - - -
Loss from partnership - - - - -
Segment assets 2,267,945 3,672,373 608,253 1,390,415 7,938,986
Expenditures for assets 42,414 32,518 506,403 - 581,335
Reconciliation of segment revenues, profit or loss, and assets for the
year ended December 31, 1997, were as follows:
Revenues
Total revenues for reportable segments $ 105,684,489
Other revenues -
Elimination of intersegment revenues (358,796)
--------------
Total consolidated revenues $ 105,325,693
==============
Profit or loss
Total profit or loss for reportable segments $ (3,700,117)
Other profit or loss (798,029)
--------------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary items $ (4,498,146)
==============
Assets
Total assets for reportable segments $ 6,548,571
Other assets 1,390,415
Elimination of intersegment receivables (1,963,302)
--------------
Consolidated total $ 5,975,684
==============
Segment Consolidated
Totals Adjustments Totals
------------- -------------- ---------------
Interest revenue $ 44,531 $ 18,531 $ 63,062
Interest expense 343,404 - 343,404
Expenditures for assets 581,335 - 581,335
Depreciation and amortization 81,590 11,974 93,564
Adjustments consist of revenues and expenses of the parent company.
F-27
RED OAK HEREFORD FARMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
(15) Subsequent events
On March 1, 2000, the Company renewed its corporate office leases for
an additional year with monthly rent payments totaling $4,000.
From January 1, 2000 through April 19, 2000, the Company obtained
subscriptions for 521,550 shares of Series B 4% convertible preferred stock
in the amount of $2,607,750, of which $2,585,750 was received. In addition,
the Company obtained subscriptions for 216,789 shares of Series C
convertible preferred stock in the amount of $1,625,915, of which
$1,544,665 was received.
On February 4, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved the
placement of 1,000,000 shares of Series D convertible preferred stock to
accredited investors. The shares are convertible at any time into common
stock at a ratio of five shares of common stock for every one share of
Series D convertible preferred stock.
Effective April 1, 2000, the Company acquired the 20% minority interest
of McClellan in MFJ for $40,000 and MFJ became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company.
F-28
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: April 14, 2000 Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
(Registrant)
By:
\s\ Gordon Reisinger
---------------------------
Gordon Reisinger, President
Date Name and Title Signature
- ---- -------------- ---------
April 24, 2000 Gordon Reisinger,
President/Director (Principal
Executive Officer) \s\ Gordon Reisinger
---------------------
April 24, 2000 Harley Dillard,
Treasurer/Chief Financial
Officer (Principal
Accounting Officer) \s\ Harley Dillard
---------------------
April 24, 2000 Charles Kolbe,
Director, Chairman
of the Board \s\ Charles Kolbe
---------------------
April 24, 2000 John Derner,
Director, Vice President \s\ John Derner
---------------------
April 24, 2000 Jack Holden,
Director \s\ Jack Holden
---------------------
April 24, 2000 Dwayne Lewis,
Director \s\ Dwayne Lewis
---------------------
April 24, 2000 Ron Daggett,
Director \s\ Ron Daggett
---------------------
* Charles Wilson, *
Director
* Johan Smit, *
Director
* Marius Morin, *
Director