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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 (FEE REQUIRED)
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
Commission File Number 1-9145
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 99-0248088
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
827 FORT STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (808) 544-6112
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class on Which Registered
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Depositary Units Representing
Class A Limited Partners' Interests New York Stock Exchange
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's know-ledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this 10-K or any amendment to this
10-K. [ ]
As of February 28, 1997, 7,500,000 shares of the Registrant's Class A Units
were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of such Units held by
non-affiliates was $29,785,296 (based on the closing price on that date of
$4.00 per Unit).
THE EXHIBIT INDEX IS LOCATED ON PAGE 60.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
The registrant, Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership"), is a
Delaware limited partnership organized in April 1986. Its managing general
partner is Mauna Loa Resources Inc. (the "Managing Partner") and its special
general partner is Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation (the "Special Partner").
The Managing Partner and the Special Partner (collectively, the "General
Partners") are direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of C. Brewer and
Company, Limited ("C. Brewer").
The Partnership is a publicly traded limited partnership engaged in the
business of growing macadamia nuts in Hawaii for sale under the MAUNA LOA (R)
brand name. The Partnership began operations in June 1986 after acquiring
interests in approximately 2,423 tree acres of macadamia orchards from Mauna
Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation ("Mauna Loa") and one of its affiliates. In
December 1986, the Partnership acquired an additional 266 tree acres of
developing macadamia orchards from an affiliate of Mauna Loa. The macadamia
orchards acquired by the Partnership in June 1986 and December 1986 are herein
referred to as the "Existing Orchards". In October 1989, the Partnership
acquired certain interests in approximately 1,260 tree acres of producing and
developing macadamia orchards (the "New Orchards") from two affiliates and a
related party (by common ownership) of Mauna Loa. In September 1991, the
Partnership acquired approximately 78 tree acres of producing macadamia
orchards ("Lot 10 Orchard") from a related party (by common ownership) of Mauna
Loa. The Existing Orchards, the New Orchards and the Lot 10 Orchard are
collectively referred to as the "Orchards".
The Partnership is one of the world's largest growers of macadamia nuts.
Macadamia nuts are premium quality nuts that are generally considered to be in
a consumer category with cashews, almonds and pistachios. Mauna Loa, the
largest processor and marketer of macadamia nuts in the world, sells macadamia
nuts as "retail" nuts (the premium grade) and "commercial" nuts (the second
grade) and produces and sells various macadamia nut products. These include
pristine salted and unsalted roasted macadamia nuts and packages of diced
macadamia nuts (for cooking and baking) and value-added products such as
candy-glazed macadamia nuts, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, chocolate
macadamia nut candy bars, honey-roasted macadamia nuts and macadamia nut
brittle.
The Partnership sells all of the macadamia nuts from the Existing Orchards to
Mauna Loa under two twenty-year nut purchase contracts (the "Existing Nut
Purchase Con-tracts") expiring in 2006. The Partnership sells all of the
macadamia nuts from the New Orchards (excluding "unusable" nuts) to Mauna Loa
under a thirty-year nut purchase contract (the "New Nut Purchase Contract")
expiring in 2019. The Partnership sells all of the macadamia nuts from the Lot
10 Orchard to Mauna Loa under a twenty-year nut purchase contract (the "Lot 10
Nut Purchase Contract") expiring in 2003.
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One of Mauna Loa's affiliates farms the Existing Orchards under two twenty-year
farming contracts (the "Existing Farming Contracts") expiring in 2006. Two of
Mauna Loa's affiliates farm the New Orchards under a thirty-year farming
contract (the "New Farming Contract") expiring in 2019. One of Mauna Loa's
affiliates farms the Lot 10 Orchard under a fifteen-year farming contract (the
"Lot 10 Farming Contract") expiring in 1998.
The Partnership is Mauna Loa's largest single supplier of macadamia nuts.
Mauna Loa or its predecessors have owned and operated macadamia orchards in the
Hawaiian Islands since 1958.
Historically, the market for macadamia nuts has been concentrated in Hawaii
where the nuts are sold as a gift item to tourists and for local consumption.
Mauna Loa believes that the MAUNA LOA (R) brand accounts for the bulk of
branded macadamia nut products sold on the U.S. mainland and that it is the
largest seller of macadamia nut products in the State of Hawaii. As the U.S.
mainland and the State of Hawaii are believed to constitute the largest
markets for macadamia nuts in the world, and with its sales in Asia growing,
Mauna Loa also believes that it is the largest seller of macadamia nuts in the
world.
Mauna Loa markets its macadamia nut products in a wide variety of product
forms. These include nuts sold in pristine roasted form in jars, cans and foil
pouches. Lesser graded nuts are used to produce various glazed products
including coconut, coffee and butter candy glazed macadamia nuts, macadamia nut
brittle, honey-glazed macadamia nuts and chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
Mauna Loa is able to obtain higher prices for these upgraded products than it
is able to obtain for nuts sold as ingredients or through bulk sales.
Macadamia nuts compete for customer purchases with several other kinds of
premium nuts, such as cashews, pistachios and almonds. Mauna Loa is not a
major factor in the overall premium nut market because of the relatively low
volume of available supply.
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
As noted above, the Partnership is Mauna Loa's largest supplier of macadamia
nuts and Mauna Loa believes that it is the largest processor and marketer of
macadamia nuts in the world.
Macadamia nuts are generally considered to be premium quality nuts in a
consumer category with cashews, pistachios and almonds and are bought primarily
as snack and entertainment food and as gift items. Macadamia nuts are
generally the highest priced of these premium nuts. Ingredient nut sales
account for approximately 7.5% of sales.
Approximately 28.5% of sales of the MAUNA LOA (R) brand are made in the U.S.
mainland, where Mauna Loa sells its products through brokers to food stores,
club stores, drug store chains, mass merchandisers and commercial customers.
Approximately 38% of sales of the MAUNA LOA (R) brand are made in Hawaii where
Mauna Loa sells through its own direct sales force primarily to retailers. A
substantial portion of the macadamia products sold are purchased by visitors as
gifts and souven-
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irs. Mauna Loa believes that it is the largest seller of macadamia products in
the State of Hawaii.
Outside the United States, Mauna Loa's other major market is Japan and the Far
East. Approximately 26% of sales of the MAUNA LOA (R) brand are made in Japan
and the Far East. Mauna Loa has only recently begun to develop the market in
Japan and other Far East countries and has not made a significant effort in
other foreign markets.
Competition
Because the Partnership's revenues from nut sales (and therefore its overall
financial results) are tied to a formula dependent in large part upon Mauna
Loa's market performance, the Partnership bears certain risks associated with
Mauna Loa's marketing of the nuts, including the likelihood of increased future
competition.
Mauna Loa considers its primary competition to be other premium nut products,
except in Hawaii where its products compete with those of other macadamia nut
producers and other food and non-food tourist items. As a premium nut,
macadamia nuts compete with cashews, almonds and pistachios.
Macadamia nuts comprised less than 5% of the sales of branded premium nuts sold
through mass merchandisers and drug and grocery stores on the U.S. mainland.
Cashews and mixed nuts represent the bulk of the dollar sales in this segment,
followed by pistachios. Macadamia nuts are the highest priced of all premium
nuts, and they therefore may be sensitive to price competition from other nuts.
The largest single market for macadamia nuts is Hawaii, where Mauna Loa's
products are sold to both tourists and residents for personal consumption and
as gifts. The Hawaii macadamia market is segmented into two categories:
chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and all other macadamia products, with canned
macadamia nuts in a six-pack gift box being the leading seller.
Mauna Loa's major competitor with respect to chocolate-covered macadamia nuts
is Hawaiian Host. Mauna Loa's major competitor with respect to other macadamia
nut products is MacFarms of Hawaii, Inc., which sells macadamia nut products
under its own brand name in Hawaii and has sold macadamia nut products under
the "Blue Diamond" brand name on the U.S. mainland.
In addition to the State of Hawaii, mature macadamia nut orchards are located
in Australia, Africa, Central America and in several other areas. The world
supply of macadamia nuts has increased substantially during the last several
years and is projected to increase substantially in the next several years due
to continuing maturation of orchards in Hawaii and a number of foreign
countries, especially Australia. This increased supply of macadamia nuts is
expected to continue to exert downward pressure on macadamia prices in the
future, which could be but is not certain to be offset by increased demand.
A general decline in nut prices would adversely affect the prices which Mauna
Loa could charge for its macadamia nut products and could have a negative
effect on its
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profitability. Since the purchase price for the Partnership's nuts under all
of its nut purchase contracts is based in part on nut prices reported by the
industry and in part on the marketing success of Mauna Loa, a general decline
in macadamia nut prices could also adversely affect the Partnership's revenues.
Farming Operations
Farming operations for the Existing Orchards are performed for the Partnership
by Ka'u Agribusiness Co., Inc. ("KACI") under the Existing Farming Contracts.
Farming operations for the New Orchards are performed by KACI and Mauna Kea
Agribusiness Co., Inc. ("MKACI") under the New Farming Contract. Farming
operations for the Lot 10 Orchard are performed by KACI under the Lot 10
Farming Contract.
Services under these contracts include cultivation, weed and pest control,
fertilization, pruning and hedging, replanting, harvesting, husking and related
services. The orchards are located at three separate locations with different
terrain and weather conditions on the island of Hawaii ("Keaau", "Ka'u" and
"Mauna Kea" - see Item 2. for a description of where these areas are located).
Farming methods therefore vary somewhat among the three locations.
Orchard Maintenance. Maintenance of an orchard is essential to macadamia nut
farming. Pruning and hedging of trees is necessary to allow space for
mechanical harvesting and cultivating equipment to safely and efficiently
operate and to remove dead branches. Where mechanical equipment is used, the
orchard floor must be maintained in a condition that will permit its
operation. Soil and gravel are used to repair mudholes and other surface
irregularities caused by soil erosion from heavy rain and by farming equipment,
though this operation is not performed as frequently due to current cost
controls. Pruning and surface maintenance are usually performed after the
harvest season.
Orchard management also requires the proper selection and application of
fertilizers, pesticides (to control rodents, insects and fungi) and herbicides
(to control weeds). Insects, rodents and fungi, as well as wild pigs, if not
controlled can cause losses to nut production.
Harvesting. The harvest period begins in the late summer and runs through the
spring. Mature nuts fall from the trees and are harvested using mechanized
harvest equipment when the orchard floor is level enough to permit its use.
Nuts are harvested by hand when the orchard floor is too uneven to permit
mechanical harvesting, when the nut drop is very light and when nuts remain
after harvesting. At Keaau, Ka'u and Mauna Kea, seasonal labor for hand
harvesting and other operations is generally available from nearby Hilo and
adjacent communities.
Mechanical harvesting is less costly than hand harvesting, but mechanical
harvesting is possible only where the orchard floor is relatively flat.
Approximately 56% of the Existing Orchards and 81% of the New Orchards are
currently mechanically harvested. The
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balance of the acreage at these orchards is too uneven for mechanical
harvesting and must be harvested by hand.
During the harvest season, the nuts are collected every six to ten weeks. Nuts
suffer loss in quality if they remain on the ground too long. The harvested
nuts are then transported to the husking facility. The Keaau and Ka'u areas
have husking facilities, which are not owned by the Partnership. Nuts
harvested in the Mauna Kea area are transported to the husking facility in the
Keaau area. At the husking facility, the outer husk is removed and the nuts,
still in their shell, are weighed and sampled to determine moisture content and
kernel quality. Title to the nuts passes to Mauna Loa after weighing, and the
nuts are moved to a drying facility.
Processing. The nuts purchased from the Partnership by Mauna Loa are primarily
processed at Mauna Loa's processing plant located adjacent to the orchards
located in the Keaau area. The plant was built in 1966 and is presently
capable of handling approximately 210,000 pounds of dry-in-shell (commonly
abbreviated "DIS") nuts per day. Processing at the plant includes drying,
cracking, roasting, inspecting and packaging. The plant also includes separate
warehouses, a machine shop, storage facilities, husking facilities, nut drying
facilities, a generator and a 10,000 square foot chocolate processing plant.
None of these processing facilities are owned by the Partnership.
Mauna Loa also has macadamia nuts processed under contract through four
strategic co-packers on the U.S. mainland which provides distribution
cost-savings by packing the final products closer to the regional markets.
Nuts are processed, roasted and bulk-packed in Hawaii before being sent to the
co-packing facilities. Nuts are packaged into jars for distribution throughout
the U.S. mainland and the Far East under the MAUNA LOA (R) brand name. The
other three co-packers produce MAUNA LOA (R) chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
At Mauna Loa's plant in Keaau, the harvested nuts are passed by conveyors over
metal screens, blowers and rock separators that remove everything but the
in-husk nuts. The husks are then split and removed by pressing the nuts
between steel roller bars and a rubber pad. At this stage, the nut kernels are
still encased in their hard round shells and roughly 20% of their weight is
attributable to moisture content. At this point, the nuts are referred to as
wet-in-shell (commonly abbreviated "WIS"). The WIS weight of the nuts is used
to determine payments to be made by Mauna Loa under the Nut Purchase
Contracts. Approximately 20% of the WIS weight of the nuts will become dry
salable kernels when all further processing is completed.
After the nuts are weighed, their moisture content is reduced by blowing warm
air over them, producing DIS nuts. The nuts are then cracked by metal rollers
to remove the shell. Mechanical and optical equipment, as well as hand
sorting, are used to separate the nut kernels from pieces of broken shell.
The dry nut kernels are roasted and then sorted into retail and commercial
grades. At this stage, less than half of the nuts are bulk-packed and sent to
the four co-packers for packaging. At Mauna Loa's plant in Keaau the nuts may
be salted, or covered with
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chocolate or one of several candy glazes, and finally packaged, labeled and
readied for shipment.
Farming Contracts
All farming activities are conducted by KACI under the Existing Farming
Contracts, by KACI and MKACI under the New Farming Contract and by KACI under
the Lot 10 Farming Contract. The Existing Farming Contracts, the New Farming
Contract and the Lot 10 Farming Contract are collectively called the "Farming
Contracts".
Existing Farming Contracts. All services necessary to farm the Existing
Orchards are conducted by KACI pursuant to the Existing Farming Contracts. Such
services include maintaining the Existing Orchards, harvesting and husking the
nuts from the Existing Orchards and delivering such nuts to Mauna Loa's
processing plant. KACI also provides necessary accounting and administrative
services with respect to the Existing Orchards. In return, the Partnership
reimburses KACI for its direct and indirect costs incurred in providing such
services, including an equipment utilization charge, and pays KACI an annual
Farming Fee equal to 3% of the Partnership's operating cash flow attributable
to the Existing Orchards.
The Existing Farming Contracts have twenty-year terms which commenced in 1986.
KACI and the Partnership have agreed to renegotiate the Existing Farming
Contracts in good faith at the end of their stated terms. The Existing Farming
Contracts may be terminated by KACI upon thirty days' notice if the Managing
Partner is involuntarily removed as the managing general partner of the
Partnership and replaced by a person or entity not affiliated with Mauna Loa.
New Farming Contract. KACI and MKACI perform all orchard management and
harvesting activities for the New Orchards under the New Farming Contract. The
New Farming Contract has substantially the same terms as the Existing Farming
Contracts except that the New Farming Contract has a thirty-year term
(beginning in 1989) while the Existing Farming Contracts have twenty-year terms
(beginning in 1986). The New Farming Contract provides for payment by the
Partnership to KACI and MKACI of a Farming Fee equal to 3% of the Partnership's
operating cash flow attributable to the New Orchards.
Lot 10 Farming Contract. KACI performs all orchard management and harvesting
activities for the Lot 10 Orchard under the Lot 10 Farming Contract. The Lot
10 Farming Contract has substantially the same terms as the Existing Farming
Contracts and the New Farming Contract except as noted below. The term of the
Lot 10 Farming Contract began in 1983 and runs for fifteen years from that
date. The Partnership may terminate the Lot 10 Farming Contract as of the end
of any calendar year by giving KACI at least twelve months advance notice of
its intention to terminate. In lieu of the Farming Fee provided under the
Existing Farming Contracts and the New Farming Contract, the Lot 10 Farming
Contract provides for two incentive fees. The Production Incentive Fee of ten
cents ($0.10) per WIS pound must be paid by the Partnership to
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KACI for production in excess of 5,939 WIS pounds per tree acre (about 465,855
WIS pounds in the aggregate) from the Lot 10 Orchard for the preceding Crop
Year. The Revenue Incentive Fee is 15% of the amount by which the aggregate
revenue received by the Partnership from the sale of nuts harvested from the
Lot 10 Orchard exceeds $353,382.20 during the preceding Crop Year. The Revenue
Incentive Fee is capped at $65,000 for any one year. Collectively, the
Production Incentive Fee and the Revenue Incentive Fee are referred to as the
Lot 10 Incentive Fees. The Lot 10 Farming Contract does not provide for an
equipment utilization charge or a husking charge.
Nut Purchase Contracts
The Partnership sells all of the macadamia nuts produced from the Existing
Orchards to Mauna Loa under the Existing Nut Purchase Contract, all the
macadamia nuts produced from the New Orchards under the New Orchard Nut
Purchase Contract and all of the macadamia nut production from the Lot 10
Orchard under the Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract. The Existing Nut Purchase
Contracts, the New Nut Purchase Contract and the Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract
are collectively called the Nut Purchase Contracts.
Existing Nut Purchase Contracts. Under the Existing Nut Purchase Contracts,
the Partnership has agreed to sell, and Mauna Loa has agreed to purchase, all
macadamia nuts harvested from the Existing Orchards for a twenty-year period
beginning in 1986. The price paid for such purchases is determined annually
based on a two-part formula. The formula price is weighted half on (i) the
average purchase price per pound for macadamia nuts in Hawaii for the two
previous crop years as reported by a United States Department of Agriculture
("USDA") statistical survey (the "USDA Price Component") and (ii) an amount per
pound (the "Net-Back Component") for the then current calendar year determined
by subtracting from Mauna Loa's gross revenues from the sale of macadamia nut
products (1) allocable processing, packaging, marketing, sales and advertising
costs and (2) a 20% capital charge on the difference between such aggregate
gross revenues and gross costs. The capital charge is intended to return a
profit to Mauna Loa for processing and marketing the nuts purchased from the
Partnership.
Mauna Loa and the Partnership have agreed to renegotiate the Existing Nut
Purchase Contracts in good faith at the end of their stated terms. The
Existing Nut Purchase Contracts may be terminated by Mauna Loa upon thirty
days' notice if the Managing Partner is involuntarily removed as the managing
general partner and replaced by a person or entity not affiliated with Mauna
Loa.
New Nut Purchase Contract. Under the New Nut Purchase Contract with Mauna Loa,
the Partnership has agreed to sell and Mauna Loa has agreed to purchase all of
the macadamia nuts harvested from the New Orchards, except "unusable" nuts.
The New Nut Purchase Contract has substantially the same terms as the Existing
Nut Purchase Contracts with the exceptions that (i) the New Nut Purchase
Contract has a 30-year term (which commenced in 1989) while the Existing Nut
Purchase Contracts have 20-
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year terms (which commenced in 1986) and (ii) Mauna Loa will not be required to
purchase "unusable" nuts under the New Nut Purchase Contract whereas "unusable"
nuts are purchased under the Existing Nut Purchase Contracts.
Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract. Under the Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract, the
Partnership has agreed to sell and Mauna Loa has agreed to purchase all of the
macadamia nuts harvested from the Lot 10 Orchard. The Lot 10 Nut Purchase
Contract has substantially the same terms as the Existing Nut Purchase
Contracts except as noted below. The term of the Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract
began in 1983 and runs for twenty years from that date. The Partnership may
terminate the Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract as of the end of any calendar year
by giving Mauna Loa at least twelve months advance written notice of its
intention to terminate. The Net Back Component also includes a charge for the
husking costs per pound to be subtracted (husking costs are not included in the
Lot 10 Farming Contract). The USDA Price Component is staggered so that the
price paid is different for the Spring and the Fall.
Stabilization Payments
In December 1986, the Partnership acquired a 266 acre orchard (the "December
1986 Orchard") that was several years younger than other orchards of the
Partnership. Because of the relative immaturity of the newer orchard, its
productivity (and therefore cash flow) was expected to be correspondingly lower
for the first several years than for the other older orchards.
Accordingly, the seller of this orchard (an affiliate of Mauna Loa) agreed to
make cash stabilization payments to the Partnership for each year through 1993
in which the cash flow (as defined) from this orchard fell short of the target
cash flow level, which equaled $507,000. Stabilization payments for any given
year are limited to the lesser of the amount of the shortfall or a maximum
payment amount. For the years from 1987 through 1993, inclusive, the
Partnership received a total of $1,628,000 (including a 4% Hawaii general
excise tax) in stabilization payments under this agreement.
The Partnership accounted for stabilization payments (net of the 4% Hawaii
general excise tax) as a reduction in the cost basis of the orchard. As such,
these payments are being reflected in the Partnership's net income ratably
through 2019 as a reduction to the depreciation expense reported for this
orchard.
In return, the Partnership is obligated to pay the seller 100% of any year's
cash flow from this orchard in excess of the target cash flow as additional
percentage rent until the aggregate amount of the additional percentage rent
paid equals 150% of the total amount of stabilization payments previously
received. Thereafter, the Partnership is obligated to pay the seller 50% of
this orchard's cash flow in excess of the target cash flow as additional
incentive rent. In March 1997, the Partnership will pay the seller $54,000
under these provisions; no amounts were payable with respect to prior years.
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Cash Flow Warranty Payments
In October 1989, the Partnership acquired 1,040 tree acres of developing
orchards that were several years younger on average than the Partnership's
other orchards, their productivity and cash flow was expected to be lower for
the first several years than for the Partnership's older orchards.
Accordingly, the sellers of these orchards (affiliates of the special general
partner) agreed to make cash flow warranty payments to the Partnership (in
quarterly installments) for each year through 1994 in which the cash flow (as
defined) from these orchards fell short of a cash flow target level. Warranty
payments for any year were limited to the lesser of the amount of the
short-fall or a maximum payment amount:
Cash Flow Maximum
Target Warranty
Year Level Amount
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1994 3,480,000 1,589,000
Thereafter 3,480,000 None
The warranty payments paid to the Partnership for 1994 was $1,589,000. The
Partnership accounted for cash flow warranty payments as reductions in the
cost basis of the orchards. As such, these payments are being reflected in the
Partnership's net income ratably through 2030 as reductions to the depreciation
expense reported for these orchards.
Risks Involved in Operating Macadamia Orchards
General. Macadamia nut trees are subject to damage or destruction from
diseases, pests, windstorms and other natural causes. Prior to 1987, Mauna
Loa was required to replace 1% to 2% of its trees each year due to losses.
Partnership tree replacements for all orchards from all causes were 0.9% in
1994, 1.3% in 1995 and 1.3% in 1996.
Diseases and Pests. In particular, the Partnership's Keaau orchards have
experienced tree replacements of 2.0% in 1994, 2.2% in 1995 and 2.2% in 1996.
Other macadamia growers in the vicinity have also experienced higher than
normal tree losses due to a problem known as Macadamia Quick Decline" ("MQD").
Based upon research by the University of Hawaii and other experts, it is
believed that the situation is due to fungi associated with high moisture
conditions. It is also believed that a particular variety of macadamia nut
tree (variety 333) is most susceptible to the fungus/beetle problem (MQD).
Another tree variety (variety 344) has recently also been identified as being
more susceptible to MQD than other varieties. Based on the latest research,
Mauna Loa and the University of Hawaii are working to identify the specific
fungus causing the problem and potentially to develop feasible control
measures. There is no assurance, however, that a feasible control measure can
be developed. Approximately 9% of the Partnership's current orchards are
variety 333 and 47% are variety 344. 4% and 25% of the Partnership's total
orchards are of the varieties 333 and 344, respectively, in the Keaau and
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Mauna Kea orchards. Both the Keaau and Mauna Kea orchards are areas with high
moisture conditions, and may be more susceptible to the MQD problem. MQD is
present in the Ka'u orchards, but tree losses to date have been less than 2% in
the Ka'u area.
In addition, there are two types of controllable fungal diseases which can
affect nut production which are not fatal to the trees themselves. One of
these is Phytopthora which affects the macadamia flowers and nutlets. These
types of fungal disease were generally controllable with fungicides, but many
of these fungicides are no longer available. Historically, these fungi have
attacked the orchards located in Keaau every three or four years. The fungus
occurred last in 1990 and required application of a fungicide at a cost of
$292,000. There was a Phytopthora occurrence in the Keaau and Mauna Kea
orchards in the Spring of 1994 and, as there are currently no feasible methods
available to treat Phytopthora, the 1995-96 crop year production for these
orchards was affected.
Windstorms and Insurance. The Partnership's orchards are located in areas on
the island of Hawaii which are susceptible to windstorms. Twenty-two major
windstorms have occurred on the island of Hawaii since 1961 and four of those
caused material losses to Partnership orchards. Several of the Partnership's
orchards are surrounded by windbreak trees which provide limited protection.
Younger trees that have not developed extensive root systems are particularly
vulnerable to windstorms.
In 1990, the Partnership eliminated its insurance coverage for losses arising
from fire, lightning and windstorms after the Partnership determined that the
cost to insure the orchards against fire, lightning and windstorms was
excessively high in view of the levels of coverage and deductible available and
historical weather patterns.
In 1996, the Partnership secured tree and crop insurance coverage under a
subsidized program. The tree insurance provides coverage up to a maximum of
approximately $15 million against loss of trees due to wind, fire or volcanic
activity. The crop insurance provides coverage up to a maximum of
approximately $4 million against loss of nuts due to wind, fire, volcanic
activity, earthquake, adverse weather, wildlife damage and failure of
irrigation water supplies.
On February 24, 1997, high winds hit the Hilo side of the Island of Hawaii,
resulting in the loss of 4,884 trees (about 1.4% of all of the partnership's
trees). Clean up and replanting costs are expected to approximate $250,000.
No insurance recovery is expected as losses were not high enough to trigger
payment. Because this windstorm occurred during flowering, it is likely that
production during the 1997-98 crop year will be adversely impacted.
Volcanoes. The orchards are located on the island of Hawaii where there are
two active volcanoes. To date, no lava flows from either volcano have affected
or threatened the orchards.
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Rainfall. The productivity of orchards depends in large part on moisture
conditions. Inadequate rainfall can reduce nut yields significantly, while
excessive rain without adequate drainage can foster disease and hamper
harvesting operations. While rainfall at the orchards located in the Keaau and
Mauna Kea areas has generally been adequate, the orchards located in the Ka'u
area generally receive less rainfall and, as a result, a portion of the Ka'u
orchards is presently irrigated. Irrigation can mitigate the effects of a
drought, but it cannot completely protect a macadamia nut crop from the effect
of a drought. Recorded rainfall at each of the three locations of the
Partnership's Orchards for the past five years is shown below:
Year Ka'u Keaau Mauna Kea
---- ------ ------- ---------
1992 53.0" 121.6" 130.1"
1993 27.3" 109.0" 142.7"
1994 68.7" 173.3" 249.7"
1995 27.0" 88.6" 123.1"
1996 69.3" 125.2" 146.6"
For the first six months of 1992, the first four months of 1993 and the first
eleven months of 1995, very dry conditions prevailed in the Partnership's
orchards, with the Ka'u area being particularly affected. Though the rainfall
returned to more normal levels in the second half of 1992 and 1993 as well as
in 1996, the Partnership's 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1995-96 crop year production
were adversely affected by these droughts.
The heavy rainfall experienced in January and February 1994 in the Keaau
orchards (forty inches compared to a historical average of twenty-one) induced
flower disease and limited pollination. The 1994-95 crop year production for
the Keaau orchards was adversely impacted by these unusual wet conditions.
Water Supply for Irrigation
In June 1986, the Partnership and KACI entered into an agreement pursuant to
which KACI agreed to supply water to that portion of the Original Orchards
located at Ka'u which has been irrigated historically. In 1989, the Water
Agreement was amended to supply water to that portion of the New Orchards at
Ka'u (the "New Ka'u Orchards") which had been irrigated historically. The
Water Agreement, as amended, provides that KACI will supply water to such
portion of the Original Orchards located at Ka'u and the New Ka'u Orchards (the
"Irrigated Orchards") from a well (the "Sisal Well") located on property owned
by KACI as requested by the Partnership from time to time in an amount equal
to, at the time of request, the lesser of (i) the amount necessary to irrigate
the Irrigated Orchards in accordance with prudent farming practices or (ii) 95%
of the Sisal Well's present operating capacity of 1,700 gallons per minute,
provided that the amount of water required to be provided under clause (ii)
will not exceed approximately 643 million gallons of water per year. The cost
to the Partnership for receiving such water is a pro rata share of the cost
incurred by KACI in providing such water.
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If the amount of water provided to the Irrigated Orchards by the Sisal Well
becomes insufficient to irrigate the Irrigated Orchards in accordance with
prudent farming practices as determined by the Partnership in good faith, KACI
will be obligated, at the request of the Partnership, to use reasonable efforts
to increase the capacity of the Sisal Well, to drill an alternative well into
the historical source which provides water to the Sisal Well or to obtain water
from other sources in order to provide such amount of water. Presently no
other developed water sources are available. If KACI incurs capital costs in
connection with any such actions, the Partnership will be required to pay its
pro rata shares of such costs. If water is not supplied to the Partnership as
required under the Water Agreement, the Partnership will be entitled to drill
for water on the portion of the Original Orchards located at Ka'u which is held
in fee by the Partnership. The Water Agreement also provides that, if KACI
sells or otherwise transfers all or any portion of the retained water rights
beneath the Irrigated Orchards or the property containing the Sisal Well, the
right of the Partnership to receive water under the Water Agreement will be
reasonably provided for.
On a historical basis, the quantity of water provided for under the Water
Agreement to the irrigated portion of the Original Orchards located at Ka'u has
been generally sufficient to irrigate the Irrigated Orchards in accordance
with prudent farming practices and, although the irrigated portion of the New
Ka'u Orchards is expected to need greater quantities of water as such orchards
mature, the Managing Partner anticipates that the amount of water available
under the Water Agreement, as amended, will be generally sufficient, assuming
average levels of rainfall, to irrigate the Irrigated Orchards in accordance
with prudent farming practices for the next several years. If no irrigation
water is available to the Irrigated Orchards, then, based on historical average
rainfall levels, diminished yields of macadamia nut production can be expected.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
GENERAL
The Orchards consist of a total of approximately 4,027 tree acres of macadamia
orchards on the island of Hawaii. Of that acreage, the orchards acquired in
1986 (the Existing Orchards) account for approximately 2,689 tree acres, the
orchards acquired in 1989 (the New Orchards) account for approximately 1,260
tree acres and the orchard acquired in 1991 (the Lot 10 Orchard) accounts for
approximately 78 tree acres.
The Existing Orchards are comprised of the Original Orchards and the December
1986 Orchards. The orchards acquired in June 1986 (the Original Orchards)
consist of approximately 2,423 tree acres located in the Ka'u and Keaau areas
of the island of Hawaii. The orchards acquired in December 1986 (the December
1986 Orchards) consist of approximately 266 tree acres located in the Ka'u area
of the island of Hawaii.
The New Orchards are comprised of the New Ka'u Orchard (consisting of
approximately 714 tree acres of macadamia properties located in the Ka'u area
of the island of Hawaii), the New Mauna Kea Orchard (consisting of
approximately 326 tree acres of
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macadamia properties located in the Mauna Kea area of the island of Hawaii) and
the New Keaau Orchard (consisting of approximately 220 tree acres of macadamia
properties located in the Keaau area of the island of Hawaii).
The Lot 10 Orchard is comprised of 78 tree acres located in the Keaau area of
the island of Hawaii.
Location of the Orchards. The Ka'u area is located in the south part of the
island about fifty miles from Hilo, the Keaau area is located six miles south
of Hilo on the east side of the island, and the Mauna Kea area is located three
miles north of Hilo on the east side of the island.
The majority of macadamia nut trees grown in the State of Hawaii are grown on
the island of Hawaii in volcanic soil that permits drainage during heavy
rainfall. While the orchards are located approximately within a 50-mile
radius, the climate and other conditions which affect the growing of macadamia
nuts are different. These differences are the result of prevailing wind
patterns and island topography which produce a variety of microclimates
throughout the island.
[MAP SHOWING LOCATIONS OF ORCHARDS]
Age and Density. The productivity of macadamia nut orchards depends on several
factors including, among others, the age of the trees, the number of trees
planted per acre,
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soil condition, climate, rainfall and/or irrigation. The most significant
characteristic affecting yields is maturity. The trees in a macadamia nut
orchard generally begin to produce nuts at a commercially harvestable level at
around nine years of age. Thereafter, nut yields increase gradually until the
trees reach maturity, after which the nut yield remains relatively constant
except for variances produced by rainfall, cultivation practices, pest
infestation and disease.
While there are no reliable data known to the Managing Partner on the maximum
productive life of a macadamia nut tree, the USDA has reported that there are
macadamia nut trees planted on the island of Hawaii in the 1920's that are
still commercially productive. Because around 2% of trees is lost to various
causes each year and as those trees are replaced, however, the orchard itself
in effect is perpetual and therefore orchard production would not be expected
to taper off as a result of tree age.
Macadamia orchards normally reach peak production after fifteen to eighteen
years of age. Of the 4,027 tree acres of macadamia orchards owned or leased by
the Partnership, 2,721 tree acres are over eighteen years of age and roughly
1,306 tree acres are under eighteen years of age.
The acreage, year planting was completed and yield for each orchard is
summarized below:
Yield per Acre (WIS @ 25%)
Year Planting ---------------------------------
Orchard Acreage Completed 1994 1995 1996
------- ------- ------------- ------- ------- -------
Keaau (a) 1,467 1974 3,933 4,013 5,104
Keaau (c) 220 1954 2,952 2,959 3,513
Keaau (d) 78 1951 3,479 3,449 3,884
Ka'u (a) 956 1970 7,410 6,960 7,029
Ka'u (b) 266 1981 5,324 5,229 6,063
Ka'u (c) 714 1983 4,459 4,410 4,829
Mauna Kea (c) 326 1985 1,747 2,503 5,420
-----
4,027 4,704 4,673 5,490
=====
________________________________________________________________________________
(a) Orchards acquired in June 1986.
(b) Orchard acquired in December 1986.
(c) Orchards acquired in October 1989.
(d) Orchard acquired in September 1991.
Rainfall. Macadamia trees grow best in climates with substantial and evenly
distributed rainfall (or equivalent irrigation) and in soil that provides good
drainage. Inadequate rainfall can significantly reduce nut yields, while
excessive rain without adequate drainage can impede healthy tree growth,
promote the growth of harmful fungal diseases and produce mudholes that require
repair of the orchard floor.
At Keaau, normal rainfall is adequate without irrigation, and the volcanic soil
provides good drainage. However, short droughts and occasional flooding have
occurred. At
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Ka'u, located on the drier side of the island, the rainfall averages
substantially less than at Keaau, particularly at the lower elevations.
Approximately 652 acres at the lower elevations of Ka'u are irrigated to
provide for additional water when required. At Mauna Kea, normal rainfall is
adequate without irrigation and the volcanic soil provides adequate drainage.
Original Orchards
The Partnership acquired certain interests in 2,423 tree acres comprising the
Original Orchards in June 1986 from Mauna Loa and one of its affiliates. The
interests owned by the Partnership with respect to the Original Orchards
consist of (i) a fee simple ownership interest in the trees and the underlying
land with respect to approximately 1,923 tree acres of macadamia orchards
properties and (ii) an ownership interest in the trees and a leasehold interest
in the underlying land (with a lease term expiring at the end of 2019) with
respect to approximately 500 tree acres of macadamia orchard properties
comprising the Original Orchards.
Of the approximately 1,923 tree acres at the Original Orchards owned in fee by
the Partnership, roughly 456 tree acres (about 579 gross acres) of macadamia
orchard properties are located in the Ka'u area of the island of Hawaii and
roughly 1,467 tree acres (about 1,688 gross acres) of macadamia orchard
properties are located in the Keaau area of the island. The other orchards
comprising the Original Orchards, which consist of roughly 500 tree acres
(about 700 gross acres) of macadamia orchard properties, are located in the
Ka'u area of the island. The Partnership's leasehold interest with respect to
the land underlying such latter orchards consist of an assignment from Mauna
Loa of its rights and obligations as lessee under a lease agreement which
terminates at the end of 2019. Such lease agreement provides for (i) a
$10,500 minimum annual lease payment subject to increase based upon increases
in the price per pound of macadamia nuts sold in Hawaii for the first 25 years
of the lease (through 1999) and (ii) a lease payment to be mutually agreed upon
by the lessor and the lessee for the remaining 20 years of the lease.
At the time of the conveyance of the Original Orchards to the Partnership,
Mauna Loa and KACI reserved the water rights to the land underlying the
Original Orchards. To supply water to that portion of the Original Orchards
located at Ka'u which had been irrigated historically, KACI and the Partnership
entered into a water agreement whereby KACI agreed to supply water to the
Partnership from a well which is on property retained by KACI, to irrigate this
property. The water agreement has been amended to provide for water to be
supplied for irrigation purposes to the portion of the New Ka'u Orchards which
have historically been irrigated.
December 1986 Orchards
The interests owned by the Partnership with respect to the December 1986
Orchards consist of an ownership interest in the trees and a leasehold interest
in the underlying land (with a lease term expiring at the end of 2019) with
respect to roughly 266 tree acres (about 546 gross acres) of macadamia orchard
properties.
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With respect to the December 1986 Orchards, the Partnership entered into a
lease agreement with KACI which expires in 2019. The lease provides for an
annual base lease payment of $5,586 which is subject to adjustment based on
increases in the USDA reported price per pound from macadamia nuts in the State
of Hawaii. In addition, the lease requires the Partnership to pay KACI 100% of
any year's cash flow in excess of a target level of $507,000 for such year for
such orchards until the aggregate amount paid equals 150% of the aggregate
amount of the stabilization payments previously received by the Partnership.
Thereafter, the Partnership is required, with respect to any year prior to the
expiration of the lease, to pay KACI as additional rent, 50% of the cash flow
generated by such orchards for such year in excess of a target level of
$507,000 of cash flow.
New Orchards
The New Orchards consist of the New Ka'u Orchards, the New Mauna Kea Orchards
and the New Keaau Orchards. The interests acquired by the Partnership with
respect to the New Ka'u Orchards consist of (i) an ownership interest in the
trees and a lease of an undivided interest in the underlying land with respect
to about 327 tree acres of macadamia orchard properties (the "New Ka'u
Orchards Tree Interest") and (ii) leasehold interests in both the trees and the
underlying land (with remaining lease terms varying from 7 years to 39 years,
subject to extension with respect to certain leases) with respect to about 387
tree acres of macadamia orchard properties (the "New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold
Interest"). The interests acquired by the Partnership with respect to the New
Mauna Kea Orchards consist of an ownership interest in the trees and a lease of
an undivided interest in the underlying land with respect to about 326 tree
acres of macadamia orchard properties (the "New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree
Interest"). The interest acquired by the Partnership with respect to the New
Keaau Orchards consists of fee simple ownership interests in both the trees and
the underlying land with respect to about 220 tree acres of macadamia orchard
properties.
New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest. With regard to the New Ka'u Orchards Tree
Interest, the Partnership acquired title to the trees situated on roughly 327
tree acres (about 528 gross acres) of macadamia orchard properties but title to
the land underlying such trees was retained by KACI. At the time of the
conveyance of the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest to the Partnership, all of
the rights under an existing 45-year farming lease (the "New Ka'u Orchards
Farming Lease") were assigned to the Partnership. The New Ka'u Orchards
Farming Lease provides for the lease of an undivided interest in the land
underlying the trees to which the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest relates which
will permit the Partnership to conduct macadamia nut farming operations on the
327 tree acres of macadamia orchard properties.
Through such arrangements, the Partnership is entitled to farm, and harvest
macadamia nuts from, such 327 tree acres of macadamia orchard properties. The
New Ka'u Orchards Farming Lease provides for a minimum annual lease payment of
$32,702 which will be subject to increase after 10, 20 and 30 years based on
then current fair market lease rates. The fair market lease rate will be
determined by mutual agreement
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between the Partnership and Ka'u Agribusiness or, if mutual agreement cannot be
reached, as determined by appraisal. Whether determined by mutual agreement or
appraisal, the fair market lease rate will be determined as a fair market lease
rate for use of such property as macadamia orchards.
In addition to the minimum annual lease payment amount, the New Ka'u Orchards
Farming Lease requires the Partnership to pay various expenses with respect to
the leased premises as well as an additional rental payment at a variable rate
based on increases in the market price per pound of macadamia nuts. The
variable rate for each of the first 10 years of such lease will equal $467 for
every one cent ($0.01) by which the average annual market price of macadamia
nuts exceeds seventy cents ($0.70) per pound, which rate will be subject to
adjustment in the same manner as, and concurrently with, the adjustment of the
minimum annual lease payment as described above.
The Partnership acquired the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest subject to a
repurchase option held by KACI. Such repurchase option grants KACI the
continuing right to repurchase all or any portion of the trees relating to the
New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest, at any time after June 30, 2019 at a price
equal to the then current fair market value of such trees. The fair market
value of such trees at such time will be determined by mutual agreement
between the Partnership and KACI or, if mutual agreement cannot be reached, as
determined by appraisal. Whether determined by mutual agreement or appraisal,
the fair market value of such trees will be determined according to their value
as producing macadamia nut trees, assuming that the owner thereof has rights to
farm and harvest such trees and has ongoing arrangements with respect to land
leases, farming and nut purchases of the same type as the Partnership has
immediately prior to such time.
In the event that KACI exercises such repurchase option prior to the expiration
of the term of the New Ka'u Orchards Farming Lease, such farming lease will
terminate at the time of such exercise with respect to the land underlying the
trees so purchased. If such repurchase option is not exercised and KACI does
not offer to extend the terms of the New Ka'u Orchards Farming Leases past
their June 30, 2034 expiration dates for a period five years at the then
current fair market lease rate, KACI will be obligated to repurchase the trees
relating to the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest at their then current fair
market value. The then current fair market lease rate and the then current
market value of the trees will be determined by mutual agreement between the
Partnership and KACI or, if mutual agreement can not be obtained, by appraisal
in each case in the manner described above.
In the event that KACI offers to extend the terms of the New Ka'u Orchards
Farming Lease past their June 30, 2034 expiration dates for a period of five
years at the then current fair market value lease rates and the Partnership
does not accept such offer (or does not assign the lease to a third party who
elects to accept such offer), the New Ka'u Orchards Farming Lease will
terminate at the end of its stated term on June 30, 2034 and the Partnership
thereafter will not be entitled to farm or harvest the trees relating to the
New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest, KACI will not be required to repurchase such
trees
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from the Partnership and ownership of such trees will revert back to KACI. If
the offer to extend the term of the New Ka'u Orchards Farming Lease is
accepted, the procedure specified above relating to the termination of the New
Ka'u Orchards Farming Lease will apply with respect to the expiration of the
term of the extension of such lease, as well as to the expiration of any other
extensions of such lease, until the Partnership has leased such property for an
aggregate of 99 years (including the initial 45-year term) at which time such
procedure will not be required to be followed and the New Ka'u Orchards
Farming lease will terminate. Upon the expiration of the final extension of
such lease, the Partnership thereafter will have no rights to farm or harvest
the trees relating to the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest, KACI will not be
required to repurchase such trees from the Partnership and ownership of such
trees will revert back to KACI.
The Partnership shall have the right pursuant to the terms of the New Ka'u
Orchards Farming Lease to assign its interest in the lease and any extensions
thereof to a third party in the event of a sale or transfer of the trees
relating to the Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest, provided that KACI consents to
such assignment, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest. With regard to the New Ka'u Orchards
Leasehold Interest, the Partnership acquired all leasehold interest with
respect to both the trees and the underlying land relating to approximately 387
tree acres (or approximately 896 gross acres) of macadamia orchard properties
within the New Ka'u Orchards. The leasehold interests in the New Ka'u Orchards
consist of an assignment from Mauna Loa and KACI of the entire interest in a
portion of their respective leasehold interests and an undivided interest in
the remainder of their respective leasehold interests under various lease
agreements.
Through such arrangements, the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest entitles
the Partnership to farm, and harvest macadamia nuts from, the approximately 387
tree acres of macadamia orchard properties to which the New Ka'u Orchards
Leasehold Interest relates for the remaining terms of the underlying lease
agreements to which Mauna Loa and KACI are parties. Following the assignment,
the Partnership is required to make lease payments to Mauna Loa and KACI with
respect to the proportionate amount of lease payment required to be made by
such entities under such lease agreement with respect to such 387 tree acres.
The following table sets forth with respect to each such lease agreement the
number of the tree acres comprising the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest
subject to such lease agreement, the expiration date of the lease term and the
proportionate amount of rent under such lease agreement required to be paid by
the Partnership.
Number of Tree Minimum Annual
Acres Subject Expiration Date Lease Payment
to Lease of Lease Term Amount (1)
------------- --------------- ---------------
137 1995 (2) $ 12,736
49 1999 (2) 6,497
175 2028 17,314
26 2029 1,021
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(1) In addition to the minimum annual lease payment amount, each of
the leases which comprise the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold
interest also require the Partnership to pay a proportionate
amount of the various expenses with respect to the leased
premises as well as an additional rental payment at a variable
rate tied to increases in the market price per pound of
macadamia nuts. The minimum annual lease payment amounts with
respect to the leases expiring in 2028 and 2029 are subject to
periodic increases based on the mutual agreement of lessor and
lessee in 1998 and 1999, respectively, and on each tenth
anniversary thereafter or, if mutual agreement cannot be
reached, as determined by appraisal. With respect to the
leases expiring in 1995 and 1999, if such leases are renewed
following a subdivision of such property, the minimum annual
lease payment amounts will be subject to periodic increases
based on the mutual agreement of the lessor and lessee after
2000 and each tenth anniversary thereafter or, if mutual
agreement cannot be reached, as determined by appraisal.
(2) The lease terms provide for renewal options of 36 years and 32
years for the 1995 leases and the 1999 lease, respectively,
subject to completion of a preliminary County subdivision
approval of such lease property prior to July 1, 1992. Mauna
Loa and the Agribusiness Companies (KACI and MKACI) met this
deadline and received final subdivision approval in January
1995. The lessor is now completing the documentation for the
lease renewal.
New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree Interest. With regard to the New Mauna Kea
Orchards Tree Interest, the Partnership acquired title to the trees situated on
roughly 326 tree acres (about 584 gross acres) of macadamia orchard properties
but title to the land underlying such trees was retained by MKACI. At the time
of the conveyance of the New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree Interest to the
Partnership, the Partnership was assigned all rights under two 45-year farming
leases (the "New Mauna Kea Orchards Farming Leases"). The New Mauna Kea
Orchards Farming Leases collectively provide for the lease of an undivided
interest in the land underlying the trees to which the New Mauna Kea Tree
Interest relates which will permit the Partnership to conduct macadamia nut
farming operations on the New Mauna Kea Orchards.
Through such arrangements, the Partnership is entitled to farm, and harvest
macadamia nuts from, such 326 tree acres of macadamia orchard properties. The
New Mauna Kea Orchards Farming Leases require a combined minimum annual lease
payment of approximately $32,612 which will be subject to increase after 10,
20, 30 and 40 years based on then current fair market lease rates. The fair
market lease rate is determined by mutual agreement between the Partnership and
MKACI or, if mutual agreement cannot be obtained, as determined by appraisal.
Whether determined by mutual agreement or appraisal, the fair market lease rate
is determined as a fair market lease rate for use of such property as macadamia
orchards.
In addition to the minimum annual lease payment amount, the New Mauna Kea
Orchards Farming Leases require the Partnership to pay various expenses with
respect to the leased premises as well as an additional rental payment at a
variable rate
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based on increases in the market price per pound of macadamia nuts. The
variable rate for each of the first 10 years of such lease will equal $465 for
every one cent ($0.01) by which the average annual market price of macadamia
nuts exceeds seventy cents ($0.70) per pound, which rate will be subject to
adjustment in the same manner as, and concurrently with, the adjustment of the
minimum annual lease payment as described above.
The Partnership acquired the New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree Interest subject to a
repurchase option held by MKACI. Such repurchase option, which is similar to
the one provided with respect to the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest, grants
MKACI the continuing right to repurchase all or any portion of the trees
relating to the New Mauna Kea Orchards at any time after June 30, 2019 at a
price equal to the then current fair market value of such trees. The fair
market value of such trees at such time will be determined by the appraised
value of such trees assigned to them by mutual agreement between the
Partnership and MKACI or, if mutual agreement cannot be reached, as determined
by appraisal. Whether determined by mutual agreement or appraisal, the fair
market value of such trees will be determined according to their value as
producing macadamia nut trees, assuming that the owner thereof has rights to
farm and harvest such trees and has ongoing arrangements with respect to land
leases, farming and nut purchases of the same type as the Partnership has
immediately prior to such time.
In the event that MKACI exercises such repurchase option prior to the
expiration of the terms of the New Mauna Kea Orchards Farming Leases, such
farming leases will terminate at the time of such exercise with respect to the
land underlying the trees so purchased. If such repurchase option is not
exercised and MKACI does not offer to extend the terms of the New Mauna Kea
Orchards Farming Leases past their June 30, 2034 expiration dates for a period
of five years at the then current fair market lease rate, MKACI will be
obligated to repurchase the trees relating to the New Mauna Kea Orchards at
their then current fair market value. The then current fair market lease rate
and the then current market value of the trees will be determined by mutual
agreement between the Partnership and MKACI or, if mutual agreement cannot be
obtained, by appraisal, in each case in the manner described above.
In the event that MKACI offers to extend the terms of the New Mauna Kea
Orchards Farming Leases past their June 30, 2034 expiration dates for a period
of five years at then current fair market lease rates and the Partnership does
not accept such offer (or does not assign the lease to a third party who elects
to accept such offer), the New Mauna Kea Orchards Farming Leases will terminate
at the end of their stated terms on June 30, 2034 and the Partnership
thereafter will not be entitled to farm or harvest the trees relating to the
New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree Interest, MKACI will not be required to repurchase
such trees from the Partnership and ownership of such trees will revert back
to MKACI. If the offer to extend the terms of the New Mauna Kea Orchards
Farming Lease is accepted, the procedure specified above relating to the
termination of the New Mauna Kea Orchards Farming Leases will apply with
respect to the expiration of the term of the extension of such leases, as well
as to the expiration of any other extensions of such leases, until the
Partnership has leased such property for an aggregate of 99 years (including
the initial 45-year terms), at which time such procedure
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will not be required to be followed and the New Mauna Kea Orchards Farming
Leases will terminate. Upon the expiration of the final extension of such
leases, the Partnership thereafter will have no rights to farm or harvest the
trees relating to the New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree Interest, MKACI will not be
required to repurchase such trees from the Partnership and ownership of such
trees will revert back to MKACI.
The Partnership has the right pursuant to the terms of the New Mauna Kea
Orchards Farming Leases to assign its interests in such leases and any
extensions thereof to a third party in the event of a sale or transfer of the
trees relating to the New Mauna Kea Orchards Tree Interest, provided that MKACI
consents to such assignment, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
New Keaau Orchards Interest. With regard to the New Keaau Orchards, the
Partnership has acquired a fee simple ownership interest in both the trees and
the underlying land with respect to roughly 220 tree acres (about 251 gross
acres) of macadamia orchard properties.
Certain Information Regarding Leases. The 1,040 tree acres comprising the New
Ka'u Orchards and the New Mauna Kea Orchards are situated on approximately
2,008 actual acres of land. Such 2,008 acres of land are located on larger
tracts of land which cover an aggregate of approximately 11,104 acres. Under a
Hawaii county subdivision ordinance, in order to transfer or lease a discrete
portion of a tract if the entire tract is not being transferred or leased,
certain government approvals must be obtained. Because such approvals were not
obtained prior to the consummation of the acquisition of the New Orchards in
1989 with respect to the transfer to the Partnership of leasehold interests
relating to only a portion of such tracts containing the New Ka'u Orchards and
the New Mauna Kea Orchards, the Partnership acquired (i) a lease of an
undivided interest in the larger tracts of land within which the property
relating to the New Ka'u Orchards Tree Interest and the New Mauna Kea Orchards
Tree Interest are located, (ii) an undivided interest in the entire leasehold
estate relating to the larger tracts of land within which a portion of the
property relating to the New Ka'u Orchard Interest is located and (iii) the
entire leasehold estate of the remaining portion of the property relating to
the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest. The acquisition of such interests by
the Partnership did not require any government approvals. Mauna Loa and the
Agribusiness Companies agreed that they would use all reasonable efforts to
obtain preliminary County subdivision approval for the larger tracts of land
prior to July 1, 1992. Mauna Loa and the Agribusiness Companies met this
deadline and received final subdivision approval in January 1995. Upon
obtaining all necessary approvals to partition such larger tracts, the
Partnership will be required to revest in Mauna Loa and the Agribusiness
Companies the Partnership's undivided leasehold interest in the 9,096
additional acres not related to the land upon which the New Ka'u Orchards and
the New Mauna Kea Orchards are located, at which time the Partnership's
undivided leasehold interest in the remaining portions of such larger tracts
will be converted to a leasehold interest of the entirety of such remaining
portions. That work is proceeding.
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23
Prior to the partitioning of the larger tracts of land referred to above, the
Partnership will have an undivided interest in each such tract and Mauna Loa,
the Agribusiness Companies and another subsidiary of C. Brewer also will have
undivided ownership or leasehold interest in such tracts. Under Hawaii law,
each party who has an undivided leasehold interest in a tract of land generally
has the right to use the entire tract absent an agreement to the contrary.
Each such party has entered into agreements which provide that each party will
only have the right to use the portion of each such tract specifically
designated for use by such party. By an assignment made to the Partnership,
the Partnership has the exclusive right under such agreements to use the
property upon which the New Ka'u Orchards and the New Mauna Kea Orchards are
located but has no right to use the 9,096 additional acres covered by the
Partnership's undivided leasehold interests, except as may be necessary for
access and utility purposes. Correspondingly, Mauna Loa and the Agribusiness
Companies have the exclusive right under such agreements to use such 9,096
acres, except as may be necessary for access and utility purposes. Such
agreements will remain in effect until such larger tracts are partitioned.
Although the Managing Partner is aware that the practice of conveying an
undivided interest in a tract of land coupled with a similar exclusive-use
agreement among cotenants of such tract has been used in the County of Hawaii
in other transactions, there exists a possibility that, under certain
circumstances, such type of arrangement could violate a county subdivision
ordinance. If such a violation existed, the Partnership may be subject to
certain monetary penalties. Also, in the event of a future dispute among the
Partnership, Mauna Loa, and the Agribusiness Companies and another subsidiary
of C. Brewer concerning enforcement of the exclusive-use agreements, there is
the possibility that the agreements may be unenforceable against a defense
that the agreements violate such ordinance. Mauna Loa and the Agribusiness
Companies have agreed to defend and indemnify the Partnership against all
claims, costs, expenses, losses (including losses of profits) and liabilities
relating to or arising out of (i) any violation of the county subdivision
ordinance, (ii) the unenforceability of the exclusive-use agreements and (iii)
any failure of such entities to subdivide the property on which the New Ka'u
Orchards and the New Mauna Kea Orchards are located.
As provided in certain agreements among Mauna Loa, KACI and the lessors of a
portion of the property to which the Ka'u Orchards interest relates, prior to
the partitioning of the larger tracts of land, Mauna Loa and KACI will remain
liable for the payment of rent and the performance of other obligations under
lease agreements between such entities as lessees and such third-party lessors
covering the property to which the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest relates
as well as the Partnership will be required to make lease payments to such
entities equal to the proportionate amount of the lease payments required to be
made by such entities under such lease agreements with respect to the property
to which the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest relates. In the event that
Mauna Loa and KACI default on their obligations under such lease agreements,
the Partnership will be required to pay rent and perform the other obligations
of such entities under the lease agreements with respect to such 7,634 acres if
the Partnership desires to continue its leasehold interest with respect to the
property
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24
to which the New Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest relates. If the Partnership
makes such payments with respect to such 7,634 acres, the Partnership will also
have the right to use such property to the same extent as if the Partnership
were the sole lessee under such lease agreements until such time as Mauna Loa
and KACI cure any such default. The Proportionate rent with respect to such
7,634 acres is approximately $112,700 per year. The covenants with respect to
such acreage include the obligations to pay ad valorem taxes, perform surveys,
build fences and submit reports. The costs to perform these obligations may
vary substantially from year to year. The lease agreements between Mauna
Loa, KACI and the lessors of such acreage provide that at the time of the
subdivision of the property covered thereby, such lessors will enter into a new
lease agreement which will relate specifically to the property to which the New
Ka'u Orchards Leasehold Interest relates. Such lease agreement will provide
the Partnership with a 100% leasehold interest in such property and will have
terms similar to those contained in the lease agreements for the 11,104 acres
except that the lease payment obligations will be proportionate to the number
of acres covered thereby, which amounts will be the same as the Partnership
will be obligated to pay prior to such subdivision.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The Managing Partner is not aware of any legal proceedings pending or
threatened against the Partnership or the General Partners in their capacities
as such. Mauna Loa, the Special Partner, is also currently not involved in or
aware of any legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S CLASS A UNITS AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P.'s Class A Depositary Units are listed for
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol = NUT). There were 2,035
registered Unit-holders of Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. Class A
Depositary Units on December 31, 1996.
Distributions declared and high and low prices of the Partnership's Class A
Depositary Units based on New York Stock Exchange daily composite transactions
are shown in the table below:
24
25
Distribution High Low
------------ ---- ---
1996: 4th Quarter $0.0500 4 1/8 2 3/4
3rd Quarter 0.0500 3 2 1/2
2nd Quarter 0.0500 2 7/8 2 1/2
1st Quarter 0.0500 2 3/4 2 3/8
1995: 4th Quarter $0.0500 2 5/8 2 1/4
3rd Quarter 0.0500 2 7/8 2 3/8
2nd Quarter 0.0500 2 7/8 2 3/8
1st Quarter 0.0500 2 3/4 2 3/8
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
FINANCIAL ($000'S):
Total Revenue 13,216 10,590 10,107 10,247 11,763
Net Cash Provided by
Operating Activities 2,062 3,370 1,568 2,705 3,167
Net Income 3,033 1,192 486 1,512 1,763
Distributions Declared 1,515 1,515 2,273 3,030 5,303
Total Working Capital 4,342 1,235 219 (660) (2,018)
Total Assets 65,953 64,455 67,544 70,536 74,112
Long-term Debt None None 264 321 386
Total Partners' Capital 47,656 46,138 46,461 48,248 49,766
Class A Limited
Partners' Capital 47,179 45,676 45,996 47,765 49,268
Net Cash Flow (a) 4,635 2,793 3,206 4,392 5,199
OPERATIONS:
Acres of Trees Harvested 4,027 4,027 4,027 4,027 4,027
Macadamia Nuts Harvested
(000's Pounds) (b) 22,110 18,820 18,943 17,914 18,406
Nut Price $/Pound (b)(c) $0.5977 0.5627 0.5363 0.5932 0.6583
UNIT INFORMATION:
Class A Units Outstanding
at Year-end (000's) 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500
Average Class A Units
Outstanding (000's) 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500 7,500
25
26
PER CLASS A UNIT ($):
Net Income 0.40 0.16 0.06 0.20 0.23
Net Cash Flow (a) 0.61 0.37 0.42 0.58 0.69
Distributions 0.20 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.70
Partners' Capital 6.29 6.09 6.13 6.37 6.57
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) See Footnote 6 in the notes to financial statements for method of
calculation.
(b) Wet-in-shell at 25% moisture.
(c) Weighted average for all orchards.
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and
the related notes included elsewhere in this report.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 1994, 1995 AND 1996
Production and Yields
Production and yield data for the seven orchards are summarized below
(expressed in wet-in-shell pounds at 25% moisture):
Average Yield per Acre
1996 -------------------------------
Orchard Acreage Production 1994 1995 1996
- ------- ------- ----------- ------ ------ ------
Keaau (a) ............................... 1,467 7,487,000 3,933 4,013 5,104
Keaau (c) ............................... 220 773,000 2,952 2,959 3,513
Keaau (d) ............................... 78 303,000 3,479 3,449 3,884
Ka'u (a) ................................ 956 6,719,000 7,410 6,960 7,029
Ka'u (b) ................................ 266 1,613,000 5,324 5,229 6,063
Ka'u (c) ................................ 714 3,448,000 4,459 4,410 4,829
Mauna Kea (c) ........................... 326 1,767,000 1,747 2,503 5,420
---------- ----------
Totals (except yields) 4,027 22,110,000 4,704 4,673 5,490
========== ==========
________________________________________________________________________________
(a) Orchards acquired in June 1986.
(b) Orchard acquired in December 1986.
(c) Orchards acquired in October 1989.
(d) Orchard acquired in September 1991.
Keaau orchard yields have been affected since 1992 by the significant number of
trees removed as a result of Macadamia Quick Decline ("MQD") damage.
Replacement trees have been planted but it will take several years before those
replacement trees reach peak production. Yields in 1995 were roughly
comparable to 1994, as the adverse effect of unusually dry weather in Ka'u was
largely offset by continuing tree maturation at
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the younger Ka'u and Mauna Kea orchards. Yields in 1996 were much higher than
in 1995 at all locations due to unusually good weather in 1996, which saw very
good rainfall levels at Ka'u but without excessive rainfall at the normally
much wetter Keaau and Mauna Kea locations.
On February 24, 1997, high winds hit the Hilo side of the Island of Hawaii,
resulting in the loss of 4,884 trees (about 1.4% of all of the partnership's
trees). Clean-up and replanting costs are expected to approximate $250,000.
No insurance recovery is expected as losses were not high enough to trigger
payment. Because this windstorm occurred during flowering, it is likely that
production during the 1997-98 crop year will be adversely impacted.
The Ka'u orchards acquired in December 1986 and October 1989 and the Mauna Kea
orchard acquired in October 1989 are not yet fully mature. As a result, the
yields from these orchards are expected to be lower on average over the next
few years than for the Partnership's mature orchards. At full maturity under
favorable growing conditions, a macadamia orchard can produce between 5,500 and
7,500 WIS pounds of macadamia nuts per acre each year at Ka'u and between 4,000
and 6,000 WIS pounds of macadamia nuts per acre each year at Keaau. No trees
have reached full maturity in the Mauna Kea area, but we expect that production
at maturity at Mauna Kea orchard will approximate Keaau levels.
Revenues
Macadamia nut revenues depend on the number of producing acres, yields per acre
and the nut purchase price. The impact of these three factors is summarized
below:
1995 1996
over over
1994 1995 1996 1994 1995
------- ------- ------- ------ ------
Tree acres harvested 4,027 4,027 4,027 - -
Average yield (WIS lbs./acre) 4,704 4,673 5,490 -1% +17%
------- ------- -------
Nuts harvested (000's WIS lbs.) 18,943 18,820 22,110 -1% +17%
Nut price ($/WIS lbs. @ 25%) 0.5363 0.5627 0.5977 +5% + 6%
------- ------- -------
Gross nut sales ($000's) 10,160 10,590 13,216 +4% +25%
Less portion reported on
the balance sheet ($000's) (53) - -
------- ------- -------
Net nut revenues ($000's) 10,107 10,590 13,216 +5% +25%
======= ======= =======
All of the Partnership nut production is sold under long-term contracts to
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation ("Mauna Loa"). The price for these nuts is
based 50% on the two-year trailing average of USDA published macadamia nut
prices and 50% on a "net-back component". That net-back component is
determined by subtracting from Mauna Loa's gross revenues from the sale of
macadamia products (i) allocable processing, packaging, marketing, selling and
advertising costs and (ii) a 20% capital
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charge on the difference between those aggregate gross revenues and aggregate
allocable costs.
The following table sets forth the manner in which the nut purchase price per
pound was determined for 1994, 1995 and 1996 (in $/lb.).
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- -------
USDA price - two years prior (a) 0.6563 0.6399 0.6391
USDA price - one year prior (a) 0.6399 0.6391 0.6413
------ ------ ------
USDA price - two year trailing average 0.6481 0.6395 0.6402
====== ====== ======
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- -------
Gross revenues 2.2112 2.2057 2.0544
Less allocable processing, packaging,
marketing, sales and advertising costs 1.6882 1.6063 1.3692
Less 20% capital charge 0.1046 0.1199 0.1370
------ ------ ------
Net-back component 0.4184 0.4795 0.5482
====== ====== ======
USDA price - two year trailing average 0.6481 0.6395 0.6402
Net-back component 0.4184 0.4795 0.5482
------ ------ ------
Average of USDA two year trailing
average price and net-back component 0.5333 0.5595 0.5942
Plus Hawaii general excise tax (0.5%) 0.0026 0.0028 0.0030
------ ------ ------
Nut purchase price (b) 0.5359 0.5623 0.5972
====== ====== ======
(a) Because Mauna Loa's own purchases comprise a substantial
portion of nut purchases reported to the USDA, the USDA price
component of the purchase price is, to a substantial degree, the
average price that Mauna Loa has paid to purchase macadamia nuts from
the Partnership and from third parties during the previous two years.
(b) The nut purchase contract covering nut production from
the 78 acre Keaau orchard acquired in September 1991 interprets the
"two-year trailing average" provi-sion slightly differently and thus
results in a slightly different nut price. Because this orchard
accounts for less than 2% of the Partnership's nut production, this
difference in interpretation has a negligible effect on Partnership
revenues.
The USDA published price for the 1995-96 crop year was 68.86c. per pound (at
25% moisture), which is 7.4% higher than in 1994-95 and 7.7% higher than in
1993-94. The USDA has estimated that the 1996-97 crop year price will increase
by 0.8% to 69.43c. per
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29
pound (at 25% moisture). The two-year trailing average USDA component of the
Partnership's 1997 nut price formula will increase by 3.9% to 66.50c. per
pound.
The final 1996 nut price of 59.72c. per pound was 3.49c. higher than in 1995 as
a result of an improved net-back component. That improvement primarily
resulted from increases in pounds sold and pounds processed, labor cost
savings from factory capital improvements and changes in the sales mix.
The final 1995 nut price of 56.23c. per pound was 2.64c. higher than in 1994 as
a result of an improved net-back component. That improvement primarily
resulted from an increase in pounds processed, labor cost savings from factory
capital improvements and changes in the sales mix.
Cost of Goods Sold
Agricultural unit costs depend on the operating expenses required to maintain
orchards and to harvest the crop as well as on the quantity of nuts actually
harvested.
The Partnership's unit costs (expressed in dollars per wet-in-shell pound at
25% moisture), which are calculated by dividing all agricultural costs for each
orchard by the number of pounds of macadamia nuts produced by that orchard, are
summarized below:
Orchard 1994 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- -------
Keaau (a) 0.5552 0.4859 0.4374
Keaau (c) 0.5664 0.5968 0.5170
Keaau (d) 0.2700 0.3318 0.2662
Ka'u (a) 0.3834 0.3720 0.3992
Ka'u (b) 0.3438 0.3104 0.3115
Ka'u (c) 0.4839 0.4294 0.4089
Mauna Kea (c) 1.1742 1.1091 0.5468
All Orchards (e) 0.4788 0.4519 0.4192
All Orchards (f) 0.4741 0.4519 0.4192
(a) Orchards acquired in June 1986.
(b) Orchard acquired in December 1986.
(c) Orchards acquired in October 1989.
(d) Orchard acquired in September 1991.
(e) Includes capitalized costs charged to the balance sheet.
(f) Excludes capitalized costs charged to the balance sheet.
Total production costs charged to the income statement decreased by $0.43
million in 1995 despite the inclusion of production costs for the full year for
the Partnership's Mauna Kea orchard, which was placed in service on July 1,
1994. All costs and related nut sales receipts for this orchard had previously
been capitalized to the balance sheet as a "developing orchard" in accordance
with standard industry practice. Reduced
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30
workers' compensation costs together with reduced equipment maintenance costs
accounted for that improvement.
Total production costs increased by $0.76 million in 1996 due primarily to
increased production (which increases harvesting and husking costs) and to the
wetter weather in 1996. However, unit production costs declined for the fifth
straight year as higher production volume more than offset that increase in
total costs.
General and Administrative Costs
Total general and administrative costs increased by $53,000 in 1996 due
primarily to a $102,000 management fee earned by the managing general partner
for the year as well as higher excise taxes arising from the increase in nut
sales for the year. Absent those two performance-related costs, all other
items of general and administrative cost decreased by $63,000 in the aggregate
during 1996. Total general and administrative costs decreased by $79,000 in
1995 due primarily to the absence of a management fee for 1995. For 1994, a
management fee of $69,000 had been earned by the managing general partner.
Interest Income and Expense
The Partnership funds its working capital needs through funds on hand and, when
needed, from short-term borrowings, generating interest expense in the process.
Net interest expense therefore is partly a function of any balances carried
over from the prior year, the amounts and timing of cash generated and
distributions paid to investors in the current year as well as the current
level of interest rates. Net interest expense decreased in 1995 and again in
1996 as the Partnership generated more cash than it paid out in distributions
those two years.
Seasonality, Capital Resources and Liquidity
Macadamia nut farming is seasonal, with production peaking in the late Fall.
However, farming operations continue throughout the year. The Partnership
meets its working capital needs through short-term borrowings under a $4.0
million revolving line of credit which is extendible for one year intervals
(subject to the consent of the lender) by paying an extension fee. Management
extended the line of credit in June 1994, June 1995 and again in June 1996.
The outstanding balance on the line of credit normally peaks in the third
quarter due to the seasonality of macadamia nut production. At the end of
1994, the line carried a $1.4 million balance. Year-end balances were zero in
1995 and 1996.
Except for orchard acquisitions, the Partnership has made no major capital
expenditures since inception. In 1991, the Partnership acquired a 78 acre
macadamia orchard which it financed 100% by a $500,000 eight-year mortgage
note. The remaining balance on that note was paid off in February 1996. In
the second quarter of 1996, the Partnership resurfaced 102 acres of orchards at
Ka'u to enable them to be harvested mechanically. The final cost of this
project was $23,000.
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31
The cash flow warranty agreement signed pursuant to the 1989 acquisition of
orchards provided roughly one-half of the Partnership's net cash flow until its
completion in mid-1994. With macadamia nut prices currently well below the
levels seen in 1989 when this acquisition had been made, cash flow from the new
orchards has been insufficient to fully offset the absence of warranty payments
since mid 1994. The related orchards are not yet completely mature and their
production should increase over the next few years (assuming normal weather and
other conditions). At full maturity, production at the young Ka'u orchards
should approximate the level of the Partnership's mature Ka'u orchard while
production at the young Mauna Kea orchard should approximate the level of the
Partnership's mature Keaau orchards (before adjusting for unusable nuts).
Given its current cash balances, absence of debt and the presence of a $4
million line of credit, it is the opinion of the Managing Partner that the
Partnership has adequate borrowing capacity available to meet anticipated
working capital needs.
Inflation and Taxes
In general, prices paid to macadamia nut farmers fluctuate independently of
inflation. Macadamia nut prices are influenced strongly by prices for finished
macadamia nut products which, in turn, depend on competition and consumer
acceptance. Farming costs, particularly labor and materials, do generally
reflect inflationary trends, as do general and administrative costs.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 ("OBRA") provided that some
publicly-traded limited partnerships, including the Partnership, are to be
taxed as corporations beginning in 1998. If this provision is not modified and
if the Partnership does not modify its operating structure prior to 1998, the
amount of cash available for distributions could be reduced materially.
Earnings per Share
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share, the provisions of
which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The
future adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material effect
on the Partnership's presentation of earnings per unit amounts.
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32
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SUPPLEMENTARY DATA AND SCHEDULES.
Page
Number
------
Report of Independent Accountants 33
Balance Sheets, December 31, 1996 and 1995 34
Income Statements, for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 35
Statements of Partners' Capital, for the Years Ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 36
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994 37
Notes to Financial Statements, Including Supplementary Data 38
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33
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Limited Partners
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Mauna Loa Macadamia
Partners, L.P. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the related statements of
income, partners' capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners,
L.P. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Honolulu, Hawaii
February 7, 1997
33
34
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 676 421
Accounts receivable from general partner and its affiliates 6,899 4,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 82 54
---------- ----------
Total current assets 7,657 4,570
---------- ----------
Land, orchards and equipment (net) 58,296 59,875
Deferred charges (net of accumulated
amortization of $0 and $64) - 10
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 65,953 64,455
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Current liabilities:
Mortgage note payable $ - 265
Accounts payable to general partner and its affiliates 2,623 2,455
Distributions payable 379 383
Other current liabilities 313 232
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 3,315 3,335
---------- ----------
Deferred income taxes 14,982 14,982
Commitments
Partners' capital:
General partners 477 462
Limited partners:
Class A (11,625 units authorized and 7,500 units
issued and outstanding; no par or assigned value) 47,179 45,676
Class B (1,750 units authorized and issued; 1,500
units outstanding; no par or assigned value) - -
---------- ----------
Total partners' capital 47,656 46,138
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 65,953 64,455
========== ==========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
34
35
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
INCOME STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER UNIT DATA)
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
Macadamia nut sales to related party $13,216 10,590 10,107
Cost of goods sold:
Costs expensed under farming
contracts with related parties 7,316 6,675 7,198
Depreciation and amortization 1,602 1,601 1,539
Other 351 230 202
------- ------- -------
Gross profit margin 3,947 2,084 1,168
------- ------- -------
General and administrative expenses:
Cost expensed under management
contract with related party 493 424 517
Other 421 437 423
------- ------- -------
Operating income 3,033 1,223 228
Interest expense (net) -- 31 71
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes 3,033 1,192 157
Deferred income tax credit -- -- 329
------- ------- -------
Net income $ 3,033 1,192 486
======= ======= =======
Net cash flow (as defined in
the Partnership Agreement) $ 4,635 2,793 3,206
======= ======= =======
Net income per Class A Unit $ 0.40 0.16 0.06
======= ======= =======
Net cash flow per Class A Unit $ 0.61 0.37 0.42
======= ======= =======
Cash distributions per Class A Unit $ 0.20 0.20 0.30
======= ======= =======
Class A Units outstanding 7,500 7,500 7,500
======= ======= =======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
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36
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1995 1994
------- ------- -------
Partners' capital at beginning
of period:
General partners $ 462 465 483
Class A limited partners 45,676 45,996 47,765
------- ------- -------
46,138 46,461 48,248
------- ------- -------
Allocation of net income:
General partners 30 12 5
Class A limited partners 3,003 1,180 481
------- ------- -------
3,033 1,192 486
------- ------- -------
Cash distributions:
General partners 15 15 23
Class A limited partners 1,500 1,500 2,250
------- ------- -------
1,515 1,515 2,273
------- ------- -------
Partners' capital at end of period:
General partners 477 462 465
Class A limited partners 47,179 45,676 45,996
------- ------- -------
$47,656 46,138 46,461
======= ====== ======
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
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37
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from macadamia nut sales $ 10,412 12,490 10,107
Cash paid under farming and management contracts (7,641) (8,428) (7,853)
Cash paid to other suppliers (704) (655) (605)
Interest paid (net) (5) (37) (81)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,062 3,370 1,568
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Stabilization payments received -- -- 1,589
Cash flow warranty payments received -- -- 21
Capital expenditures (23) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (23) -- 1,610
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Line of credit repayments -- (1,407) (430)
Principal payments of mortgage note (265) (59) (62)
Distributions paid (1,519) (1,511) (2,651)
Other -- (9) (9)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (1,784) (2,986) (3,152)
-------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash 255 384 26
Cash at beginning of period 421 37 11
-------- -------- --------
Cash at end of period $ 676 421 37
======== ======== ========
Reconciliation of net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Net income $ 3,033 1,192 486
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 1,602 1,612 1,551
Deferred income tax credit -- -- (329)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (2,804) 1,900 (53)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 168 (1,329) (27)
Other 63 (5) (60)
-------- -------- --------
Total adjustments (971) 2,178 1,082
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 2,062 3,370 1,568
======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
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MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) OPERATIONS AND OWNERSHIP
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. ("Partnership") owns 4,027 tree
acres of macadamia orchards on the Island of Hawaii. Once the nuts are
harvested, the Partnership sells them to another entity which processes and
markets the finished products.
The Partnership is owned 99% by limited partners and 1% collectively
by the managing general partner (Mauna Loa Resources Inc., with a 0.99%
interest) and by the special general partner (Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut
Corporation, with a 0.01% interest). Mauna Loa Resources Inc. is a subsidiary
of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation, which in turn is a subsidiary of C.
Brewer and Company, Limited, whose parent company is Buyco, Inc.
Limited partner interests are represented by Class A Units, which are
evidenced by depositary receipts that trade publicly and are listed on the New
York Stock Exchange. Mauna Loa Orchards, L.P., an affiliate of the general
partners, held 30,000 Class A Units at December 31, 1995 and 1996.
Class B Units represent a contingent interest in the Partnership and
are held by the special general partner and one of its affiliates. Class B
Units are subject to conversion into Class A Units under specified
circumstances (see Note 4). Prior to conversion, Class B Units are not
entitled to share in the profits or losses of the Partnership except to the
extent the Partnership makes an extraordinary disposition of its assets, as
defined more fully in the partnership agreement.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(A) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash and cash equivalents include
unrestricted demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid deposits with an
original maturity of less than three months. The cash equivalents are not
protected by federal deposit insurance.
(B) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. The fair value of all financial
instruments approximates the carrying value as the majority of the financial
instruments have fairly short durations until maturity or the market and risk
factors associated with the instruments have not changed.
(C) FARMING COSTS. In accordance with industry practice in Hawaii,
orchard maintenance and harvesting costs for commercially producing macadamia
orchards are charged against earnings in the year that the costs are incurred.
(D) LAND, ORCHARDS AND EQUIPMENT. Land, orchards and equipment are
reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Net
farming costs for any "developing" orchards are capitalized on the balance
sheet until revenues from that orchard exceed expenses for that orchard (or
nine years after planting, if earlier).
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The Partnership's Mauna Kea orchard had been accounted for as a
developing orchard through June 30, 1994 (the end of the 1993-94 crop year), at
which time it was placed into service. The total costs capitalized for this
orchard were $6,164,000.
Depreciation of orchards and other equipment is reported on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (40 years for
orchards and between 5 and 12 years for other equipment). A 5% residual value
is assumed for orchards. The macadamia orchards acquired in 1986 situated on
leased land are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the
leases (approximately 33 years from the inception of the Partnership) with no
residual value assumed. The macadamia orchards acquired in 1989 situated on
leased land are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a 40 year period
(as the terms of these leases exceeds 40 years) with no residual value assumed.
For income tax reporting, depreciation is calculated under accelerated methods.
(E) INCOME TAXES. As the Partnership is not presently a taxable entity,
no amounts have been provided for current income taxes. Rather, the
Partnership's tax attributes are includable in the tax returns of the Partners.
Neither the Partnership's financial reporting income nor the distributions to
Partners can be used as a substitute for the detailed tax calculations which
the Partnership mails to each Partner prior to the end of March each year for
the preceding tax year.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 included a provision that
some publicly traded limited partnerships, including the Partnership, are to be
taxed as corporations beginning in 1998. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the projected financial reporting and tax reporting basis of assets and
liabilities at December 31, 1997.
(F) 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.
(G) NET INCOME PER CLASS A UNIT. Net income per Class A Unit is
calculated by dividing 99% of Partnership net income by the average number of
Class A Units outstanding for the period. Net income per Class A Unit does
not reflect the effects of conversion of Class B Units, which would not have a
dilutive effect.
(3) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(A) NUT PURCHASE CONTRACTS. The Partnership is a party to four nut
purchase contracts with the special general partner. They cover all nuts
produced by the orchards acquired in June 1986, December 1986, October 1989 and
September 1991, respectively. The first two contracts run for 20 years, while
the third contract runs for 30 years and also provides for the exclusion of
unusable nuts from those purchased by the special general partner. The first
three contracts are identical in all other material respects. The
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fourth contract was acquired by assignment with the purchase of the September
1991 orchard and expires in 2003. The fourth contract is similar to the first
three contracts, but the nut price is calculated on a crop year (July 1 through
June 30) rather than calendar year basis, which results in a slightly
different nut price. All four contracts use a pricing formula based 50% on a
two-year trailing average of the macadamia nut price published annually by the
U. S. Department of Agriculture and 50% on the special general partner's
"netback component". The netback component is calculated by subtracting the
special general partner's processing and marketing costs per pound and a
"capital charge" of 20% from its nut revenues per pound. The nut price paid
to the Partnership under the first three nut purchase contracts was $0.5359
for 1994, $0.5623 for 1995 and $0.5972 for 1996. The average nut price paid to
the Partnership under the fourth nut price contract was $0.5655 for 1994,
$0.5901 for 1995 and $0.6353 for 1996.
(B) FARMING CONTRACTS. The Partnership is a party to four farming
contracts with two affiliates of the special general partner which cover all
farming, harvesting and husking activities for the orchards acquired in June
1986, December 1986, October 1989 and September 1991, respectively. The first
two contracts run for 20 years, while the third contract runs for 30 years.
The first three contracts are identical in all other material respects. The
fourth contract was acquired with the purchase of the September 1991 orchard
and expires in 1998.
The first three contracts provide the two affiliates of the special
general partner with reimbursement of their direct and indirect costs incurred
under these contracts as well as a farming fee equal to 3% of the Partnership's
operating cash flow (as defined). The two affiliates earned a farming fee of
$104,000 in 1994 and $153,000 in 1996. No farming fee was earned in 1995. The
fourth contract is similar to the first three contracts, but does not provide
the special general partner reimbursement for husking costs, a "capital
recovery charge" and a farming fee.
The Partnership is also a party to a water agreement with an affiliate
of the general partner under which that affiliate agreed to supply water to the
Partnership from a well on that affiliate's property for use on the
Partnership's irrigated Ka'u orchards. The Partnership's allocated share of
the costs of that well totaled $94,000 in 1994, $114,000 in 1995 and $79,000 in
1996.
(C) MANAGEMENT COSTS AND FEE. The partnership agreement provides the
managing general partner reimbursement of administrative costs (which consist
primarily of compensation costs, board of directors fees and insurance costs)
incurred under the agreement as well as a management fee equal to 2% of the
Partnership's operating cash flow (as defined). Those reimbursable costs
totaled $448,000 in 1994, $424,000 in 1995 and $391,000 in 1996. The managing
general partner earned a management fee of $69,000 in 1994 and $102,000 in
1996. No management fee was earned in 1995.
In addition to a management fee, the managing general partner is entitled
to receive an annual incentive fee equal to 0.5% of the aggregate fair market
value (as defined) of the Class A Units for the preceding calendar year
provided that net cash flow (as defined) for the preceding calendar year
exceeds specified levels. No incentive fee was earned in 1994, 1995 or 1996.
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(D) STABILIZATION PAYMENTS. In December 1986, the Partnership acquired a
266 acre orchard that was several years younger than its other orchards.
Because of the relative immaturity of the newer orchard, its productivity (and
therefore its cash flow) was expected to be correspondingly lower for the
first several years than for the other older orchards.
Accordingly, the seller of this orchard (an affiliate of the special
general partner) agreed to make cash stabilization payments to the Partnership
for each year through 1993 in which the cash flow (as defined) from this
orchard fell short of a target cash flow level of $507,000. Stabilization
payments for a given year were limited to the lesser of the amount of the
shortfall or a maximum payment amount.
The Partnership accounted for stabilization payments (net of general
excise tax) as a reduction in the cost basis of this orchard. As a result, the
payments will be reflected in the Partnership's net income ratably through 2019
as a reduction to amortization for this orchard.
In return, the Partnership is obligated to pay the seller 100% of any
year's cash flow from this orchard in excess of the target cash flow as
additional percentage rent until the aggregate amount of additional percentage
rent equals 150% of the total amount of stabilization payments previously
received. Thereafter, the Partnership is obligated to pay the seller 50% of
this orchard's cash flow in excess of the target cash flow as additional
incentive rent. For 1996, such additional percentage rent totaled $54,000. No
additional percentage rent was payable for 1994 or 1995.
(E) CASH FLOW WARRANTY PAYMENTS. In October 1989, the Partnership
acquired 1,040 acres of orchards that were several years younger on average
than the Partnership's other orchards, their productivity (and therefore their
cash flow) was expected to be lower for the first several years than for the
Partnership's older orchards.
Accordingly, the sellers of these orchards (affiliates of the special
general partner) agreed to make cash flow warranty payments to the Partnership
for each year through 1994 in which the cash flow (as defined) from these
orchards falls short of a cash flow target level. Warranty payments for any
year were limited to the lesser of the amount of the shortfall or a maximum
payment amount.
The cash flow warranty payment paid to the Partnership was $1,589,000 for
1994. The Partnership accounted for cash flow warranty payments as reductions
in the cost basis of the orchards. As a result, these payments will be
reflected in the Partnership's net income ratably through 2030 as reductions to
depreciation for these orchards.
In addition, this agreement provided that the managing general partner
and its affiliates forego the 1995 farming and management fees to the extent
which the cash flow (as defined) for 1995 from the Ka'u and Mauna Kea orchards
acquired in 1989 fell short of a predetermined target level. As a result of
this provision, no farming or management fee was earned in 1995.
(4) FUTURE REDEMPTION OR CONVERSION OF CLASS B UNITS
Class B Units are convertible into Class A Units on March 31 of any year
through 2007 on a one-to-one basis to the extent that actual cash distributions
for the preceding calendar year exceed the rate of $1.30 per Class A Unit (plus
any cumulative deficiency
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in indicated distributions from prior years). As of December 31, 1996, that
cumulative deficiency totaled $33.3 million (or $4.40 per Class A Unit).
The number of Class B Units that can be converted for any such year will
be the number that, on a pro forma basis (i.e., including the Class B Units to
be converted), would have permitted distributions per Class A Unit for the
preceding year to have equaled $1.30 per Class A Unit. The issuance of any
Class A Units upon a conversion of Class B Units is considered to represent
additional consideration for the original transfer of the related orchards to
the Partnership.
(5) INDICATED DISTRIBUTIONS
The Partnership followed a policy of making quarterly distributions at a
predetermined rate through 1990. Distributions at those levels and at $1.20
per Class A Unit for 1991 and later years are referred to as indicated
distributions in the partnership agreement. In the event that the
Partnership's cash distributions for any year are less than the indicated
distribution for that year, the amount of the deficiency will accumulate and be
required to be paid in full prior to any subsequent redemption or conversion of
Class B Units.
As it is impossible to anticipate every future circumstance, there can be
no assurance that Partnership performance will be sufficient to fund
distributions at the above levels. Distributions are paid approximately
forty-five days after the end of each quarter to investors of record as of the
last business day of that quarter.
Because macadamia nut farming is highly seasonal, distributions are
smoothed to provide a more level payout rate. The managing general partner and
the special general partner receive cash distributions in proportion to their
ownership percentages in the Partnership.
(6) CASH FLOW PERFORMANCE
Cash flow performance (based on definitions used in the partnership
agreement) for the past three years is shown below (000's):
1996 1995 1994
------- ------ ------
Gross revenues $13,216 10,590 10,160
Less:
Farming costs 7,514 6,905 7,428
Administrative costs 812 861 871
Other -- 31 71
Plus:
Stabilization and
warranty payments -- -- 1,589
------- ------- -------
Operating cash flow 4,890 2,793 3,379
Less:
Farming fee 153 -- 104
Management fee 102 -- 69
------- ------- -------
Net cash flow $ 4,635 2,793 3,206
======= ======= =======
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(7) LAND, ORCHARDS AND EQUIPMENT
Land, orchards and equipment, stated at cost, consisted of the
following at December 31, 1996 and 1995 (000's):
1996 1995
------- -------
Land $ 8,168 8,168
Producing orchards 64,711 64,711
Other 335 312
------- -------
Land, orchards and equipment (gross) 73,214 73,191
Less accumulated depreciation
and amortization 14,918 13,316
------- -------
Land, orchards and equipment (net) $58,296 59,875
======= =======
(8) SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM CREDIT
The Partnership had a $4.0 million revolving line of credit at
December 31, 1993 for working capital purposes. The line was extended for one
year on June 1, 1994, again on June 1, 1995 and again on June 1, 1996, and may
be extended for additional one-year intervals upon the payment of extension
fees. Annual extension fees of $8,000 were paid in June 1994, June 1995 and
June 1996. A commitment fee of 3/8 of one percent of the unused portion is
required and borrowings are charged interest at either the bank's "base rate"
or at the one, two or three month "LIBOR" rate (plus 175 to 200 basis points)
at the Partnership's option. The line of credit currently requires minimum net
cash flow (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) of $1.6 million per year
and minimum net worth levels (before non-cash adjustments due to implementation
of FAS No. 109) of $40 million. In addition, the line of credit requires a
"clean-up" period of at least thirty consecutive days during each year.
Information on the line of credit for the last two years is as
follows:
1996 1995
-------- --------
Balances (000's):
Maximum amount borrowed for the year $ 470 1,453
======== =====
Year-end balance payable -- --
======== =====
Average amount outstanding during the year 96 326
======== =====
Interest rates:
Weighted average interest rate at year-end -- --
======== =====
Weighted average interest rate for the year 8.23% 8.20%
======== =====
In September 1991, the Partnership borrowed $0.5 million under an
eight-year mortgage loan to acquire a 78 acre macadamia orchard in Keaau. In
February 1996, the Partnership paid off the remaining balance of this mortgage
loan in full. The amount of that payment was $252,000 (including accrued
interest).
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(9) INCOME TAXES
The components of the net deferred tax liability reported on the balance
sheet as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 are as follows (000's):
1996 1995
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Financial statement bases of land orchards
and equipment is greater than tax bases $ 10,538 10,538
Excess of tax depreciation over
financial statement depreciation 6,432 6,432
-------- --------
16,970 16,970
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Excess of financial statement depreciation
over tax depreciation for deferred
tax basis adjustments (633) (633)
Adjustments to producing orchards
included in taxable income (593) (593)
Adjustments to developing orchards
in excess of tax basis (712) (712)
Other (50) (50)
-------- --------
(1,988) (1,988)
-------- --------
$ 14,982 14,982
======== ========
As there is no relationship between income before taxes and the
deferred income tax provisions, no reconciliation between statutory tax expense
and total income tax expense is provided.
(10) LEASES
The Partnership leases the land underlying 1,806 acres of its orchards
under long-term operating leases. Future minimum lease payments under
noncancellable leases (exclusive of renewal options) as of December 31, 1996
were as follows (000's):
1997 $ 119
1998 119
1999 119
2000 119
2001 119
Later years 3,474
------
Total minimum lease payments $4,069
======
Each of the above leases also provides for additional lease payments
based on USDA-reported macadamia nut price levels. Those contingent lease
payments totaled
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$45 in 1994, $46 in 1995 and $52 in 1996. Total lease rent (in 000's) for all
operating leases was $164 in 1994, $165 in 1995 and $229 in 1996.
(11) QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The following chart summarizes unaudited quarterly operating results
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 (000's, except per unit data):
Net Net Income/
Net Gross Income (Loss) per
Sales Profit (Loss) Class A Unit
------- ------- ------- ------------
1996:
1st Quarter $ 1,542 $ 189 $ (118) $ (0.02)
2nd Quarter 519 118 (56) (0.01)
3rd Quarter 4,255 713 527 0.07
4th Quarter 6,900 2,927 2,680 0.35
1995:
1st Quarter $ 2,574 $ 624 $ 266 $ 0.04
2nd Quarter 61 22 (148) (0.02)
3rd Quarter 3,860 523 349 0.05
4th Quarter 4,095 915 725 0.10
The macadamia nut drop and therefore macadamia harvesting is highly
seasonal with most production occurring between August and January each year.
As a result, revenues and profits also fluctuate significantly between
quarters.
Also because of that seasonality, all farming costs are annualized for
interim reporting purposes. This method has the effect of matching income to
expense by spreading crop costs equally over estimated production, to provide
more meaningful results.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT.
The Partnership has no officers or directors. Instead, the officers and
directors of Mauna Loa Resources Inc., the managing general partner, perform
all management functions for the Partnership. Each director of the managing
general partner is elected for a term of one year and until his successor is
duly elected and qualified. Each officer of the managing general partner is
elected by the board of directors of the managing general partner and is
subject to removal by that board at any time.
A. IDENTIFICATION OF DIRECTORS.
(1) James S. Andrasick; 53 years old; Director of Managing Partner
since 1986; President and Director of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut
Corporation; President of C. Brewer since September 1992.
(2) John W. A. Buyers; 68 years old; Chairman since 1989 and Director
since 1986 of
Managing Partner; Chairman of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation
since August 1992; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of C.
Brewer.
(3) James H. Case; 76 years old; Director and Member of Conflicts
Committee of Managing Partner since 1986; no affiliation with
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation or C. Brewer.
(4) Ralph C. Hook, Jr.; 73 years old; Director and Member of Conflicts
Committee of Managing Partner since 1986; no affiliation with
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.
(5) Kent T. Lucien; 43 years old; President and Director since
September 1995 of Managing Partner; Vice President of Mauna Loa
Macadamia Nut Corporation; Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of C. Brewer.
B. IDENTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
(1) John W. A. Buyers; 68 years old; Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Managing Partner since 1989; Director of Mauna Loa
Macadamia Nut Corporation; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
C. Brewer.
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(2) Kent T. Lucien; 43 years old; President since September 1995
of Managing Partner; Vice President of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut
Corporation; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of C. Brewer.
(3) D. S. Dymond; 50 years old; Senior Vice President, Operations
and Chief Operating Officer of Managing Partner since October
1994 and Chief Financial Officer of Managing Partner since
June 1995; not an employee, officer or Director of Mauna Loa
Macadamia Nut Corporation or C. Brewer.
(4) Kathleen F. Oshiro; 45 years old; Secretary of Managing
Partner since 1989; Secretary of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut
Corporation; Vice President, Administration and Corporate
Secretary of C. Brewer.
C. IDENTIFICATION OF CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES.
Not applicable.
D. FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.
Not applicable.
E. BUSINESS EXPERIENCE.
1. DIRECTORS:
James S. Andrasick. Mr. Andrasick was promoted to President and Chief
Operating Officer of C. Brewer and Company, Limited in September
1992. From 1989 until September 1992, he was Executive Vice President
in charge of the sugar, distribution and Central America operations.
From 1983 to 1988 he served as Executive Vice President, Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer with responsibilities for
finance and administration as well as spice and guava operations. He
joined C. Brewer in 1978 as Vice President and Controller after
serving three years on the IU International Corporation corporate
development staff. In 1980 he became Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of C. Brewer. Previously, he had been employed by
the Ford Motor Company at its world headquarters and product
development groups in various supervisory positions in finance. Mr.
Andrasick received his Bachelor's Degree from the U.S. Coast Guard
Academy and his Master's Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology.
Mr. Andrasick is also a Director of C. Brewer and Company, Limited,
Honolulu, Hawaii, Olokele Sugar Company (a subsidiary of C. Brewer),
Honolulu, Hawaii, and Wailuku Agribusiness Co., Inc. (a subsidiary of
C. Brewer), Wailuku, Hawaii. In addition, Mr. Andrasick is a Trustee
of the Hawaii Maritime Center and the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, a
Director of the American Red Cross, Hawaii State
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Chapter, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Hawaii
Employers Council. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
John W. A. Buyers. Mr. Buyers was elected Chairman of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. in 1988 and has been Chairman of Mauna Loa Macadamia
Nut Corporation since July 1992. He has been Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of C. Brewer and Company, Limited, a
diversified land and agriculture business, since 1992. From 1982 to
1992 he was Chairman and President of C. Brewer and Company, Limited.
From 1975 to 1982, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of C.
Brewer and Company, Limited. From 1971 to 1975, Mr. Buyers was
President and Chief Executive Officer of General Waterworks Company in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Buyers graduated cum laude
from Princeton University in 1952 and later received a Master's Degree
in Industrial Management from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology as a Sloan Fellow.
He is Chairman and a Director of C. Brewer Homes, Inc. (a publicly
traded company on the NASDAQ), Honolulu, Hawaii, and is also a
Director of First Hawaiian Bank, Honolulu, Hawaii, First Hawaiian
Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, John B. Sanfilippo & Sons, Inc., Elk Grove
Village, Illinois and several C. Brewer affiliated companies. He is a
member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee on Food and
Agriculture in Washington, D.C., and is Vice Chairman and a Director
of Pacific International Center for High Technology in Honolulu,
Hawaii. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
James H. Case. Mr. Case is senior partner in the Hawaii law firm of
Carlsmith Ball Wichman Case Ichiki. Mr. Case graduated with an A.B.
Degree from Williams College and received his J.D. Degree from Harvard
Law School. He became associated with the Carlsmith law firm in 1951
and became a partner in 1959. He has served on the Boards of
Directors of Hamakua Sugar Company, Inc., Paauilo, Hawaii, InterIsland
Resorts, Ltd., Honolulu, Hawaii, Pacific Club, Honolulu, Hawaii,
Central Union Church, Honolulu, Hawaii, Hanahauoli School, Honolulu,
Hawaii, and Arcadia Retirement Residence, Honolulu, Hawaii. He
resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ralph C. Hook, Jr. Dr. Hook is Director of the Family Business Center
of Hawaii, which is part of the College of Business Administration at
the University of Hawaii. He joined the faculty of the University of
Hawaii in 1968 as Dean of the College of Business Administration. In
1974, he returned to teaching as Professor of Marketing in the College
of Business Administration. He became Emeritus Professor of Marketing
in June 1995. Dr. Hook received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
from the University of Missouri at Columbia and his Ph.D. in Marketing
from the University of Texas at Austin. He has been a member of the
Pan Pacific Institute of Ocean Science since 1974, and Hook Brothers
Corporation
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since 1983. He was appointed a Trustee of Tokai University, Honolulu
Center in 1988. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Kent T. Lucien. Mr. Lucien currently serves as President of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. and has been an Executive Vice President and the Chief
Financial Officer of C. Brewer since 1991. Previously he served as a
Vice President and as an Executive Vice President of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. He joined C. Brewer and Company, Limited as a Senior
Analyst in 1980. Mr. Lucien is an honors graduate of Occidental
College and received his MBA from Stanford University. He is a
Director of C. Brewer Homes, Inc. (a publicly traded company on the
NASDAQ), Honolulu, Hawaii. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
2. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
John W. A. Buyers. Mr. Buyers was elected Chairman of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. in 1988 and has been Chairman of Mauna Loa Macadamia
Nut Corporation since July 1992. He has been Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of C. Brewer and Company, Limited, a
diversified land and agriculture business, since 1992. From 1982 to
1992 he was Chairman and President of C. Brewer and Company, Limited.
From 1975 to 1982, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of C.
Brewer and Company, Limited. From 1971 to 1975, Mr. Buyers was
President and Chief Executive Officer of General Waterworks Company in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Buyers graduated cum laude
from Princeton University in 1952 and later received a Master's Degree
in Industrial Management from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology as a Sloan Fellow.
He is Chairman and a Director of C. Brewer Homes, Inc. (a publicly
traded company on the NASDAQ), Honolulu, Hawaii, and is also a
Director of First Hawaiian Bank, Honolulu, Hawaii, First Hawaiian
Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, John B. Sanfilippo & Sons, Inc., Elk Grove
Village, Illinois and several C. Brewer affiliated companies. He is a
member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee on Food and
Agriculture in Washington, D.C., and is Vice Chairman and a Director
of Pacific International Center for High Technology in Honolulu,
Hawaii. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Kent T. Lucien. Mr. Lucien currently serves as President of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. and has been an Executive Vice President and the Chief
Financial Officer of C. Brewer since 1991. Previously he served as a
Vice President and as an Executive Vice President of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. He joined C. Brewer and Company, Limited as a Senior
Analyst in 1980. Mr. Lucien is an honors graduate of Occidental
College and received his MBA from Stanford University. He is a
Director of C. Brewer Homes, Inc. (a publicly traded company on the
NASDAQ), Honolulu, Hawaii. He resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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D. S. Dymond. Mr. Dymond has served as Senior Vice President,
Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Mauna Loa Resources Inc.
since October 1994 and as Chief Financial Officer since June 1995.
From 1991 through 1994 he served as Vice President, Treasurer and
Principal Accounting Officer of Mauna Loa Resources Inc. and
Controller of C. Brewer. From 1986 through 1991, he served as Vice
President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of
Mauna Loa Resources Inc. Previously, he had served as C. Brewer's
Director, Internal Audit. Prior to joining C. Brewer, he was an
auditor for Peat Marwick Mitchell Co. (a predecessor to KPMG Peat
Marwick). Mr. Dymond has an M.B.A. Degree from the University of
Hawaii and is a Certified Public Accountant. He resides in Honolulu,
Hawaii.
Kathleen F. Oshiro. Mrs. Oshiro was appointed Secretary of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc. and Assistant Vice President and Secretary of C.
Brewer in 1989, and in 1993, was promoted to Vice President,
Administration and Corporate Secretary of C. Brewer. Previously she
served as secretary and Assistant to the Chairman and President of C.
Brewer from 1975 to 1989. She resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.
F. SECTION 16 DISCLOSURE.
Under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), each director and certain officers of Mauna Loa
Resources Inc., the managing general partner of Registrant (a
"Reporting Person"), are required to report their ownership and
changes in ownership of Class A Depositary Units to the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange and Registrant.
Based on reporting forms submitted to Registrant, no Reporting Person
has failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a)
of the Exchange Act during 1992.
ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
A. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The Partnership is managed by Mauna Loa Resources Inc. (managing general
partner) and the compensation paid to the CEO and other officers is reimbursed
by the Partnership as provided in Section 4.5 of the Partnership Agreement.
The following table reflects the aggregate compensation for services in all
capacities paid by Mauna Loa Resources Inc. to the CEO for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. There were no officers who received more
than $100,000 in compensation. In addition, there were no long term
compensation awards or payouts during those years.
Annual Compensation
Name and -------------------------------------------
Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Other
-------------------- ------ -------- ------- ---------
John W. A. Buyers 1996 $ - $ - $ 8,400
CEO 1995 - - 8,400
1994 - - 8,400
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B. OPTION/SAR GRANTS TABLE.
Not applicable - Mauna Loa Resources Inc. does not have either an option or an
SAR plan.
C. OPTIONS/SAR EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE.
Not applicable - Mauna Loa Resources Inc. does not have either an option or an
SAR plan.
D. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS TABLE.
Not applicable - Mauna Loa Resources Inc. does not have a long-term incentive
pan.
E. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER BENEFITS TABLE.
Not applicable - The officers of Mauna Loa Resources Inc. are included in the
pension plan and other benefits plans of its parent company, C. Brewer and
Company, Limited, as such, the managing partner is not responsible for making
any payments on the retirement of any of its officers.
F. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION AGREEMENTS.
Not applicable - Mauna Loa Resources Inc. does not have any employment or
severance agreements with any of its officers.
G. BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT.
Not applicable - Mauna Loa Resources Inc. does not have a compensation
committee as the Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Loa Resources Inc. is not
compensated for serving in that position. The only compensated officer's
salary and guideline bonus percentage are administered under the salary
policies of C. Brewer and Company, Limited. Any bonus payments are approved by
the Mauna Loa Resources Inc. Board of Directors annually based on the overall
performance of the Partnership (as evidenced by its net income for the year)
and on general and administrative cost control performance. Performance in
both categories is measured relative to the original Partnership operating
budget approved by the Board at the beginning of each year.
H. STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART.
The following chart compares the Partnership's total return to (i) the Russell
2000 (a small business index) and (ii) a peer group index composed of publicly
traded limited partnerships with either similar capitalization or in commodity
based markets (other than oil and gas) or both.
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MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS
[GRAPH]
MLMP NUT 100 56.827 50.540 34.602 37.388 54.158
RUSSELL 200 100 116.360 136.140 131.810 166.350 190.910
PEER GROUP 100 130.442 175.118 190.020 220.405 234.540
I. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION.
Directors of Mauna Loa Resources Inc. receive a quarterly retainer of $1,500
and a meeting fee of $600 per meeting. There are no other agreements or
arrangements between the managing partner and its directors.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT.
A. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
As of December 31, 1996, and subsequent to that date, to the date of this
report, no person (including any "group" as that term is used in Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) is known by the Partnership or
the managing general partner to be the beneficial owner of more than five
percent of the Class A Depositary Units (the "Class A Units") of the
Partnership.
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B. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
As of December 31, 1996 and subsequent to that date to the date of this report,
no director or officer of the Managing Partner or the Special Partner owned
more than one percent of the Class A Units.
The table below sets forth certain information as to each class of equity
securities of the Partnership or the Managing Partner to be beneficially owned
by the General Partners of the Partnership, all directors of the Managing
Partner and all directors and officers of the Managing Partners as a group as
of December 31, 1996.
Percent
of
Amount of Percent Percent Class A
Nature of of of and
Name and Address Beneficial Class A Class B Class B
Beneficial Owner Ownership Units Units Units
- ---------------------- --------- ----------- --------- -------
Mauna Loa Macadamia 999,646 - 66.7% 11.1%
Nut Corporation Class B
827 Fort Street Units
Honolulu, HI 96813
Mauna Loa Orchards L.P. 30,000 0.4% - 0.3%
827 Fort Street Class A
Honolulu HI 96813 Units
Mauna Loa Orchards L.P. 500,000 - 33.3% 5.6%
827 Fort Street Class B
Honolulu HI 96813 Units
All directors 23,676 0.3% - 0.2%
Class A
Units
All directors and officers 23,676 0.3% - 0.2%
as a group (10 persons) Class A
Units
Mauna Loa Orchards L.P. is a limited partnership whose partners are C. Brewer
and certain direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of C. Brewer. As the
general partners of the Partnership are also each a direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of C. Brewer, MLO is an affiliate of the general
partners.
C. CHANGES IN CONTROL
Not applicable.
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ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
A. TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS.
1. Acquisition of Original Orchards.
In June 1986, the Partnership acquired the Original Orchards (2,423 tree acres
of macadamia orchards) from Mauna Loa and an affiliate, both subsidiaries of
C. Brewer, which were valued at $39,414,000. The majority of the Directors and
Executive Officers of the Managing Partner are also Directors and Executive
Officers of Mauna Loa and C. Brewer.
2. Acquisition of December 1986 Orchard.
In December 1986, the Partnership purchased the December 1986 Orchard from
KACI, consisting of certain ownership interests in the trees and leasehold
interests in the underlying land with respect to approximately 266 tree acres
(or approximately 546 gross acres) of macadamia orchard properties for
$4,000,000 in cash. As KACI and the general partners of the Partnership are
each a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of C. Brewer, this
acquisition involved the Managing Partner in a conflict of interest. The
Conflicts Committee, as hereinafter defined, reviewed the proposed terms of
this acquisition, unanimously reached the conclusion that this acquisition
would be in the best interests of the Partnership and the holders of the
Class A and Class B Depositary Units (the "Class B Units") and collectively the
"Unitholders", approved this acquisition and reported to the Board of Directors
of the Managing Partner its recommendation that this acquisition should be
approved by that Board. Thereafter, the Board of Directors of the Managing
Partner unanimously approved such acquisition.
3. Acquisition of the New Orchards.
In 1989, the Partnership acquired interests in the New Orchards from MLO and
Howard Butcher III ("Butcher"). MLO is a limited partnership whose general
partners are Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea Macadamia Orchards, Inc. ("MKMO") and
whose limited partners are C. Brewer and, through October 1990, Butcher. Mauna
Loa, MKMO and the Managing Partner of the Partnership are each a direct or
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of C. Brewer. Butcher, at the time of this
transaction, owned approximately 10% of Buyco, Inc., the parent company of C.
Brewer. As a result of these relationships, MLO and Butcher are considered to
be affiliates of the Managing Partner and the acquisition therefore involved
the Managing Partner in a conflict of interest. Accordingly, the acquisition
was submitted to the Conflicts Committee for its review. The Conflicts
Committee reviewed the acquisition and retained the investment banking firm of
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. as financial advisor to provide it with an opinion as
to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the acquisition to the
Partnership and the Unitholders. Following such review, the Conflicts
Committee unanimously reached the conclusion that the acquisition was in the
best interest of the Partnership and the Unitholders, approved the acquisition
and reported to the Board of Directors of the Managing Partners its
recommendation that the acquisition should be approved by the Board of Di-
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rectors of the Managing Partner. Thereafter, the Board of Directors of the
Managing Partner unanimously approved the acquisition and recommended to the
Unitholders that they approve, through certain amendments to the Agreement of
Limited Partnership (the "Partnership Agreement"), the acquisition. The
Unitholders approved the acquisition and such amendments to the Partnership
Agreement at the Special Meeting of Unitholders held on October 12, 1989.
4. Acquisition of the Lot 10 Orchard.
In 1991, the Partnership acquired the Lot 10 Orchard from Keaau Macadamia X
Corporation ("Keaau X"), which was owned by Butcher. Butcher, at the time of
this transaction, owned approximately 10% of Buyco, Inc., the parent company
of C. Brewer. As a result of this relationship, Butcher is considered to be an
affiliate of the Managing Partner and this acquisition therefore involved the
Managing Partner in a conflict of interest. Accordingly, the acquisition was
submitted to the Conflicts Committee for its review. The Conflicts Committee
reviewed the proposed terms of this acquisition and the related nut purchase
contract (the "Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract") and farming contract (the "Lot 10
Farming Contract"), and unanimously concluded that this acquisition would be in
the best interests of the Partnership and the Unitholders, approved this
acquisition and reported to the Board of Directors of the Managing Partner its
recommendation that this acquisition should be approved by that Board.
Thereafter, the Board of Directors of the Managing Partner unanimously approved
such acquisition.
5. 1986 Conversion of Class B Units and Concurrent Redemption.
The Partnership Agreement provided that the Partnership pay Mauna Loa, the
Special Partner, the amount of the "first year excess cash flow" (as defined in
that agreement), if any, through the conversion of Class B Units to Class A
Units. Pursuant to this provision, $245,000 was payable to Mauna Loa as of
December 31, 1986, resulting in the conversion of approximately 23,000 Class B
Units into Class A Units and the concurrent redemption of those Class A Units.
The $245,000 liability was paid in 1987.
6. 1990 Conversion of Class B Units and Concurrent Redemption.
The Partnership Agreement provided that the Partnership pay Mauna Loa, the
Special Partner, the balance in the "Cash Account" (as defined in that
agreement) as of December 31, 1990, through the conversion of Class B Units
into Class A units and the concurrent redemption of those Class A Units on
March 31, 1991. At December 31, 1990, the "Cash Account" had a $2.218 million
balance remaining which was used to redeem approximately 227,000 converted
Class B Units.
B. CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS.
1. General
The Managing Partner makes all decisions relating to the management of the
Partnership. The Managing Partner, as such, has the duty to act in good faith
and to manage the Partnership in a manner that is fair and reasonable to all
Unitholders. Mauna Loa
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owns all of the capital stock of the Managing Partner and may ultimately own a
significant number of the Class A Units depending on its ability to convert
Class B Units. Certain officers and directors of Mauna Loa also act as
officers and directors of the Managing Partner and certain directors of the
Managing Partner are substantial shareholders of Buyco, Inc., the parent
company of C. Brewer. Disputes that might otherwise develop between the
Managing Partner and Mauna Loa may not develop because the parties
representing the entities are identical. As a result of these relationships,
certain conflicts of interest could arise with respect the administration of
and allocation of costs under the Partnership Agreement and in situations
described below, among others.
A committee of the Managing Partner's Board of Directors composed of two
persons who are independent of C. Brewer and its affiliates (the "Conflicts
Committee") reviews, on an annual basis or more frequently as such committee
may deem appropriate, the Managing Partner's management of the Partnership and
any conflicts of interest that may have arisen or may arise as a result of the
relationships among Mauna Loa and its affiliates, the Managing Partner, C.
Brewer and its affiliates and the Partnership. The Partnership Agreement
states that, except for the original members of the Conflicts Committee, no
member of the Conflicts Committee may be an officer, director, employee or
shareholder of Buyco, Inc., C. Brewer or any of its affiliates. The Conflicts
Committee presently consists of two individuals who are not affiliated with C.
Brewer.
2. Farming Leases.
At the time of the Partnership's acquisition of the interests in the New
Orchards, MLO assigned to the Partnership all of MLO's rights and obligations
under three 45-year farming leases relating to 327 tree acres of the New Ka'u
Orchards and all of the New Mauna Kea Orchard. The farming leases permit the
Partnership to conduct macadamia nut farming operations on such macadamia
orchard properties. The farming leases provide for fixed minimum annual lease
payments to be paid to either KACI or MKACI, as the case may be. Such annual
rental payments are subject to increase after ten years, twenty years and
thirty years based on then current fair market lease rates. The then current
fair market lease rate will be determined by mutual agreement between the
Partnership, on the one hand, and either KACI or MKACI, as the case may be, on
the other hand. If mutual agreement cannot be reached, the then current fair
market lease rate will be determined by appraisal. Whether determined by
mutual agreement or by appraisal, the then current fair market lease rate will
be determined as a fair market lease rate for use of such premises as macadamia
orchards.
The Partnership acquired its interests in the trees situated on such leased
macadamia orchard properties subject to repurchase options retained by the
Agribusiness Companies. The repurchase options grant the Agribusiness
Companies the continuing right to repurchase all or any portion of such trees
after June 30, 2019 at a price equal to the then current fair market value of
the trees, according to their value as producing macadamia nut trees, as
determined by mutual agreement between the Partnership, on the one hand, and
either KACI or MKACI, as the case may be, on the other hand. If mutual
agreement cannot be reached, the then current fair market value will be
determined by
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appraisal. Whether determined by mutual agreement or by appraisal, the fair
market value of such trees will be determined according to their value as
producing macadamia nut trees, assuming that the owner thereof has rights to
farm and harvest such trees and has ongoing arrangements with respect to land
leases, farming and nut purchases of the same type as the Partnership has
immediately prior to such time.
At the end of the 45-year lease terms of such leases, the Agribusiness
Companies will be required to repurchase such trees at their then current fair
market value as orchards if such entities do not offer to extend such farming
leases at the then current fair market lease rates. The then current fair
market lease rate and the then current market value of the trees for such
purposes will be determined through mutual agreement between the Partnership,
on the one hand, and either KACI or MKACI, as the case may be, on the other
hand or, if mutual agreement cannot be obtained, by appraisal, in each case in
the manner described above. Such repurchase obligations will apply with
respect to the expiration of each extension of the lease terms of such leases
until such leases have been in effect for a total of 99 years, at which time
the leases will expire and the ownership interests in such trees will revert
back to the Agribusiness Companies.
In the event that the Partnership decides not to accept an offer to extend the
leases at the then current fair lease rates upon the expiration of the leases
or any extension thereof (or does not assign the leases to a third party who
elects to accept such offer), the leases will expire, the Agribusiness
Companies will not be required to repurchase the trees covered thereby and
ownership of such trees will revert back to the Agribusiness Companies (and in
any event ownership of such trees will revert back to the Agribusiness
Companies after 99 years). As the Managing Partner and the Agribusiness
Companies are each direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of C. Brewer, a
decision to renew the farming leases will involve the Managing Partner in a
conflict of interest.
As described above, the farming leases provide for determinations of the fair
market lease rate to be paid by the Partnership under the farming leases and
the fair market value of the Partnership's trees situated on property covered
by such leases by mutual agreement between the Partnership, on the one hand,
and with KACI or MKACI, as the case may be, on the other hand, or, if mutual
agreement cannot be reached, by appraisal. As any determination by the
Partnership with respect to any such mutual agreement will be made by the
Managing Partner and as the Managing Partner and the Agribusiness Companies
are each direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of C. Brewer, such
determination on behalf of the Partnership will involve the Managing Partner in
a conflict of interest. Accordingly, the Conflicts Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Managing Partner will review any such determinations made by
mutual agreement.
3. Nut Purchase Contracts and Farming Contracts.
Mauna Loa purchases from the Partnership all of the macadamia nut production
from the Existing Orchards pursuant to the Existing Nut Purchase Contracts, all
of the macadamia nut production from the New Orchards (excluding "unusable
nuts") under the New Orchards Nut Purchase Contract and all of the macadamia
nut production from
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the Lot 10 Orchard under the Lot 10 Nut Purchase Contract. In addition, KACI
farms the Existing Orchards for the Partnership pursuant to the Existing
Orchards Farming Contracts and, along with MKACI, farms the New Orchards for
the Partnership pursuant to the New Farming Contract. KACI also farms the Lot
10 Orchard for the Partnership pursuant to the Lot 10 Farming Contract.
Various conflicts of interest exist or may arise with respect to the
Partnership's sale and Mauna Loa's purchase of nuts under the Nut Purchase
Contracts, the allocation of costs reimbursed by the Partnership under the
Farming Contracts for purposes of determining the Net-Back Component of the
purchase price for nuts under the Nut Purchase Contracts and the allocation of
personnel and resources with respect to services provided by KACI and MKACI
under the Farming Contracts. For example, the purchase price under the Nut
Purchase Contracts will depend on Mauna Loa's processing, packaging, marketing,
sales and advertising expenses and nonagricultural overhead costs, all of which
are controlled and allocated by Mauna Loa. Mauna Loa also has complete control
over the identification and weighing of nuts at its processing plants.
Under the terms of the Farming Contracts, KACI and MKACI are required to
provide certain reports to the Partnership, including an annual report
describing in reasonable detail the conduct of farming and harvesting
operations at the Orchards, and they also are required to provide a statement,
certified by its independent accountants, which reflects its allocation of
direct costs and overhead for the relevant year. The reports submitted to the
Managing Partner are reviewed by the Conflicts Committee. The Managing
Partner has the right to object to the information set forth in such annual
reports relating to the calculation of the nut purchase price and/or farming
costs and to engage a certified public accounting firm of its own selection to
verify and confirm such information. The Managing Partner on behalf of the
Partnership has the right to assert claims against Mauna Loa based on such
independent review, and, if any such review and assertion results in an
adjustment favorable to the Partnership in the nut purchase price or farming
cost figures by an amount in excess of 5% of the amount initially calculated
by Mauna Loa, Mauna Loa will be required to reimburse the Partnership for the
expenses incurred in engaging the accounting firm and asserting such claims.
Cost reimbursements under the Farming Contracts totaled $7,163,000 in 1996,
$6,675,000 in 1995 and $7,205,000 ($109,000 of which was capitalized to
developing orchards) in 1994. Farming fees totaled $153,000 in 1996 and
$104,000 ($2,000 of which was capitalized to developing orchards) in 1994. No
farming fees were paid for 1995.
4. Management Fee.
Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership reimburses the
Managing Partner for all expenses incurred by them in the conduct of
Partnership business, including any expenses reasonably allocated to the
Managing Partner or to the Partnership as well as a management fee equal to 2%
of the Partnership's operating cash flow (as defined in the Partnership
Agreement). Certain conflicts may arise in connection with the allocation of
such expenses among the Managing Partner, the Partnership, C. Brewer and its
affiliates. Management cost reimbursements under the Partnership Agreement
amounted to $391,000 in 1996, $424,000 in 1995 and $448,000 in 1994. The
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management fee was $102,000 in 1996 and $69,000 in 1994. There was no
management fee for 1995.
5. Relationships with C. Brewer.
Since the Partnership began operations in June 1986, the Partnership has
purchased substantially all of its fertilizer and certain transportation
services from subsidiaries of C. Brewer. Transportation services purchased
consist of transportation of raw nuts from the orchards in the Mauna Kea and
Ka'u areas to the processing plant. For 1996, 1995 and 1994, fertilizer,
herbicide, pesticide and transportation services purchased by the Partnership
from C. Brewer subsidiaries totaled $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.6
million, respectively. It is expected that the Partnership will continue to
purchase its fertilizer and transportation needs from C. Brewer subsidiaries as
long as, and to the extent that, such purchases can be made on a basis at least
as favorable as that available from third parties. The Partnership Agreement
requires that the price and terms of any such transactions be no less favorable
than those available in comparable transactions between unrelated parties.
The stock and assets of the General Partners are significant to both C. Brewer
and Buyco, Inc. In making decisions regarding financial matters concerning C.
Brewer and Buyco, Buyco may be required to make choices which could impact the
business and financial condition of the General Partners. Any such impact
could affect the Partnership.
6. Cash Reserve Account.
The Managing Partner may establish cash reserve accounts on behalf of the
Partnership for any purpose it deems prudent, including reserves to provide for
seasonal variations in cash flow due to timing of macadamia harvests or
anticipated expenses of an unusual nature. Since any such reserves would not
be distributed in the then current year unless such reserves proved to be
unnecessary, and since Mauna Loa is entitled to convert its Class B Units into
Class A Units only to the extent of Excess Distributions, the Managing Partner
will have an incentive after 1990 (at which time the Class B Units become
eligible for conversion) to accelerate cash payouts and may have a conflict of
interest in determining whether to establish cash reserve accounts after such
date. If factors likely to cause significant fluctuations in cash flow are not
identified and adequate reserves are not established, cash distributions to
Unitholders could fluctuate unnecessarily. Such fluctuations could have an
adverse effect on such market value of the Class A Units.
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PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
A. LIST OF DOCUMENTS FILED AS A PART OF THIS REPORT.
1. Financial Statements.
All financial statements of the registrant are set forth under Item 8 of this
report on Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
None required.
3. Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
Page Number
or Exhibit Incorporation by
Number Description Reference to
-------------- ----------- ------------------
(3.1) Agreement of Limited Partnership of Registrant Exhibit 3.1
to Form S-1 (2)
(3.2) Form of Class A Certificate of Limited Partnership Exhibit 3.2
as filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware to Form S-1 (1)
(3.3) Certificate of Limited Partnership of Registrant Exhibit 3.3
as filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware to Form S-1 (1)
(4.1) Depositary Agreement between Registrant, Exhibit 4.1
Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company as to Form S-1 (1)
and Mauna Loa Resources Inc. as attorney-
in-fact of the limited partners in Registrant
(4.2) Form of Depositary Receipt Exhibit 4.2
to Form S-1 (1)
(10.1) Macadamia Nut Purchase Contract between Exhibit 10.1
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation to Form S-1 (2)
("Mauna Loa") and Registrant dated
June 12, 1986
(10.2) Macadamia Nut Purchase Contract between Exhibit 10.2
Mauna Loa and Registrant dated to Form S-1 (2)
December 22, 1986
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(10.3) Macadamia Nut Purchase Contract between Exhibit 10.3
Mauna Loa and Registrant dated as of to Form S-1 (2)
October 1, 1989
(10.4) First Amended Farming Contract among Mauna Exhibit 10.4
Loa, Ka'u Agribusiness Co., Inc. ("KACI") to Form S-1 (2)
and Registrant dated June 12, 1986
(10.5) Farming Contract between KACI and Registrant Exhibit 10.5
dated December 22, 1986 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.6) Farming Contract among Mauna Loa, KACI, and Exhibit 10.6
Mauna Kea Agribusiness Co., Inc. ("MKACI") to Form S-1 (2)
dated as of October 1, 1989
(10.7) Contribution Agreement among Mauna Loa Exhibit 10.7
Orchards, L.P. ("MLO"), KACI, MKACI, to Form S-1 (2)
Mauna Kea Macadamia Orchards, Inc. ("MKMO")
and Mauna Loa dated as of July 1, 1989
(10.8) Lease between the Trustees of the Estate of Exhibit 10.8
Bernice Pauahi Bishop ("Trustees of the Bishop to Form S-1 (1)
Estate") and Mauna Loa
(10.9) Lease between KACI and Registrant Exhibit 10.7
to Form 10-K (3)
(10.10) MLO/MLMP Conveyance Agreement between Exhibit 10.10
MLO and Registrant dated as of October 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.11) Butcher/MLMP Contribution Agreement between Exhibit 10.11
Howard Butcher III ("Butcher") and Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
dated as of October 1, 1989
(10.12) Farming Lease between KACI and MLO dated as Exhibit 10.12
of July 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.13) Farming Lease between MKACI and MKMO Exhibit 10.13
dated as of July 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.14) Farming Lease between MKACI and MLO dated Exhibit 10.14
as of July 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.15) Water Agreement, as amended, between KACI Exhibit 10.15
and Registrant dated as of October 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
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(10.16) Cash Flow Warranty Agreement among KACI, Exhibit 10.16
MKACI and Registrant dated as of July 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.17) Guarantee Agreement between Mauna Loa and Exhibit 10.17
Registrant dated as of October 1, 1989 to Form S-1 (2)
(10.18) Agreement of Indemnification between C. Brewer Exhibit 10.18
and each director of the Managing Partner to Form S-1 (2)
(10.19) Indemnification Agreement (Title) among Mauna Exhibit 10.19
Loa, KACI and MKACI in favor of Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
(10.20) Indemnification Agreement (Sub division) among Exhibit 10.20
Mauna Loa, KACI and MKACI in favor of to Form S-1 (2)
Registrant
(10.21) Deed between MLO and Registrant relating to Exhibit 10.21
14% undivided interest in 220 tree acres of to Form S-1 (2)
macadamia orchard properties located
in the Keaau area of the island of Hawaii
("New Keaau Orchards")
(10.22) Bill of Sale between MLO and Registrant Exhibit 10.22
relating to 14% undivided interest in New to Form S-1 (2)
Keaau Orchards
(10.23) Deed between Butcher and Registrant relating to Exhibit 10.23
86% undivided interest in New Keaau Orchards to Form S-1 (2)
(10.24) Bill of Sale between Butcher and Registrant Exhibit 10.24
relating to 86% undivided interest in New to Form S-1 (2)
Keaau Orchards
(10.25) Assignment of Partial Interest in Lease No. 15,020 Exhibit 10.25
and consent from MLO to Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
(10.26) Assignment of Partial Interest in Lease No. 16,859 Exhibit 10.26
and consent from MLO to Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
(10.27) Assignment of Partial Interest in Lease No. 20,397 Exhibit 10.27
and consent from MLO to Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
(10.28) Assignment of Lease from MLO to Registrant Exhibit 10.28
relating to Lease from the Trustees of the to Form S-1 (2)
Bishop Estate
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63
(10.29) Assignment from MLO to Registrant relating Exhibit 10.29
to certain orchards to Form S-1 (2)
(10.30) Assignment of Lease and Consent from MLO to Exhibit 10.30
Registrant relating to one of the Farming Leases to Form S-1 (2)
to 326 tree acres of macadamia orchards located
in the Mauna Kea area on the island of Hawaii
("New Mauna Kea Orchards")
(10.31) Assignment of Lease and Consent from MLO to Exhibit 10.31
Registrant relating to one of the New Mauna to Form S-1 (2)
Kea Orchards Farming Leases
(10.32) Assignment of Lease and Consent from MLO to Exhibit 10.32
Registrant relating to one of the New Mauna to Form S-1 (2)
Kea Orchards Farming Leases
(10.33) Assignment of Lease and Consent from MLO to Exhibit 10.33
Registrant relating to one of the New Mauna to Form S-1 (2)
Kea Orchards Farming Leases
(10.34) Lease from the Trustees of the Bishop Estate Exhibit 10.34
to MLO to Form S-1 (2)
(10.35) Lease No. 15,020 from the Trustees of the Exhibit 10.35
Bishop Estate to MLO to Form S-1 (2)
(10.36) Form of Amendments to Lease No. 15,020 Exhibit 10.36
from the Trustees of the Bishop Estate to Form S-1 (2)
(10.37) Lease No. 16,859 from the Trustees of the Exhibit 10.37
Bishop Estate to the Hawaiian Agricultural to Form S-1 (2)
Company (a predecessor of KACI)
(10.38) Form of Amendments to Lease No. 16,859 from Exhibit 10.38
the Trustees of the Bishop Estate to Form S-1 (2)
(10.39) Lease No. 20,397 from the Trustees of the Exhibit 10.39
Bishop Estate to C. Brewer to Form S-1 (2)
(10.40) Form of Amendments to Lease No. 20,397 from Exhibit 10.36
the Trustees of the Bishop Estate to C. Brewer to Form S-1 (2)
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(10.41) Lease from Richard L. Hughes to Mauna Loa Exhibit 10.41
to Form S-1 (2)
(10.42) Lease from the Trustees of the Bishop Estate Exhibit 10.42
to Mauna Loa to Form S-1 (2)
(10.43) Co-ownership and Partition Agreement between Exhibit 10.43
KACI and MLO to Form S-1 (2)
(10.44) Co-ownership and Partition Agreement among Exhibit 10.44
Mauna Loa, KACI and MLO to Form S-1 (2)
(10.45) Co-ownership and Partition Agreement between Exhibit 10.45
KACI and MLO relating to Lease Nos. 15,020 to Form S-1 (2)
and 16,859
(10.46) Co-ownership and Partition Agreement between Exhibit 10.46
MKACI and MLO to Form S-1 (2)
(10.47) MLO Registration Rights Agreement between Exhibit 10.47
MLO and Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
(10.48) Butcher Registration Rights Agreement between Exhibit 10.48
Butcher and Registrant to Form S-1 (2)
(10.49) Macadamia Nut Purchase Contract between Exhibit 10.49
Mauna Loa and Keaau Macadamia X Corpor- to Form 10-K (4)
ation ("Keaau 10") dated September 15, 1983
(10.50) Farming Contract between Mauna Loa and Keaau Exhibit 10.50
10 dated September 15, 1983 to Form 10-K (4)
(10.51) Assignment of Owner's Interest in Macadamia Exhibit 10.51
Nut Purchase Contract and Farming Contract to Form 10-K (4)
between Keaau 10 and Registrant
(10.52) Warranty Deed between Keaau 10 and Registrant Exhibit 10.52
to Form 10-K (4)
(11.1) Statement re Computation of Net Income per 67
Class A Unit
________________________________________________________________________________
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65
(1) Form S-1 Registration Statement Under the Securities Act of 1933 of
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. (Registration No. 33-4903) was
filed on June 5, 1986.
(2) Form S-1 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 of
Mauna Loa Macadamia Partners, L.P. (Registration No. 33-30659) was
filed on October 20, 1989.
(3) Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 was filed March 27, 1987.
(4) Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 was filed on March 27, 1992.
B. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
Not applicable.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA PARTNERS, L.P.
(Registrant)
By: MAUNA LOA RESOURCES INC.
(Managing General Partner)
DATED: March 27, 1997 By: /s/ J. W. A. Buyers
--------------------------------------
J. W. A. Buyers
Chairman of the Board and
Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been executed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
MAUNA LOA RESOURCES INC.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ J. W. A. Buyers Chairman of the Board March 27, 1996
- ----------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer),
J. W. A. Buyers Director
/s/ D. S. Dymond Senior Vice President March 27, 1996
- ----------------------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer
D. S. Dymond and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ James H. Case Director March 27, 1996
- -----------------------------------------
James H. Case
/s/ Dr. Ralph C. Hook, Jr. Director March 27, 1996
- -----------------------------------------
Dr. Ralph C. Hook, Jr.
66