Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Financial Statements at September 15, 2000 and for the Period from January 1, 2000 through September 15, 2000 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Balance Sheet At September 15, 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 693,856 Accounts receivable, net 3,290,518 Inventories 1,680,759 Prepaid expenses and other 155,917 ----------- Total current assets 5,821,050 Property, plant and equipment, net 11,755,909 Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates 427,418 Debt issuance costs 32,398 ----------- Total assets $18,036,775 ----------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Borrowings under line of credit $ 950,000 Current portion of long-term debt 1,827,251 Accounts payable 4,459,863 Accrued expenses 538,336 Dividends payable 191,067 Due to Sunrich, Inc. 331,707 Due to Nordic Aseptic, Inc. 200,000 ----------- Total current liabilities 8,498,224 Long-term debt, less current portion 7,039,544 Advance from Stake Technology, Ltd. 250,000 ----------- Total liabilities 15,787,768 ----------- Commitments Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $10 par value; 2,500 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding 10,000 Additional paid-in capital 1,747,991 Retained earnings 491,016 ----------- Total stockholders' equity 2,249,007 ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $18,036,775 =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 2 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Statement of Operations For the period from January 1, 2000 through September 15, 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $ 16,718,578 Cost of sales 14,554,548 ------------ Gross profit 2,164,030 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,830,098 ------------ Operating income 333,932 Other income (expense): Gain on investment (Note 2) 160,597 Interest expense (195,837) Other income 14,004 ------------ Net income before equity in loss of investee 312,696 Equity in loss of investee (280,009) ------------ Net income $ 32,687 ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 3 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity For the period from January 1, 2000 through September 15, 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated Additional Other Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Stock Capital Earnings Income Total Balance, January 1, 2000 $ 10,000 $ 1,747,991 $ 1,398,525 $ 80,842 $ 3,237,358 Dividends to stockholders: Cash paid and payable (570,874) (570,874) Stake Technology, Ltd. common stock (194,957) (194,957) Real property (174,365) (174,365) Increase in fair value of investment 79,755 79,755 Decrease in unrealized gain on distribution of investment (160,597) (160,597) Net income 32,687 32,687 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Balance, September 15, 2000 $ 10,000 $ 1,747,991 $ 491,016 $ -- $ 2,249,007 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 4 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Statement of Cash Flows For the period from January 1, 2000 through September 15, 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 32,687 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 546,903 Gain on investment (160,597) Equity in net loss of investee 280,009 Provision for doubtful accounts 15,000 Loss on disposal of equipment 1,299 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (138,591) Inventories (376,052) Prepaid expenses and other (119,845) Accounts payable 1,035,395 Accrued expenses 64,237 Due to Nordic Aseptic, Inc. 200,000 ------------ Net cash provided by operating activities 1,380,445 ------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of plant, property and equipment (5,672,496) Increase in investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates (707,427) ------------ Net cash used in investing activities (6,379,923) ------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under line of credit 950,000 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 12,035,619 Advance from Stake Technology, Ltd. 250,000 Advance from Sunrich, Inc. 331,707 Principal payments on long-term debt (6,896,750) Change in cash overdraft (577,863) Dividends paid to stockholders (379,807) Payment of debt issuance costs (32,534) ------------ Net cash provided by financing activities 5,680,372 ------------ Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 680,894 Cash and cash equivalents, January 1, 2000 12,962 ------------ Cash and cash equivalents, September 15, 2000 $ 693,856 ============ Supplemental cash flow information: Cash payments for interest, including capitalized interest of approximately $230,000 $ 418,713 Supplemental disclosure of significant noncash financing and investing activities: Distribution of Stake Technology, Ltd. common stock as dividend in kind to stockholders $ 194,957 Dividends payable to stockholders 191,067 Distribution of certain real property as a dividend in kind to stockholder 174,365 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 5 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. (the Company) processes liquid dairy and non-dairy products into products suitable for human or animal consumption and provides custom drying services for certain grains. The Company has sales to customers located throughout the United States of America and Japan. On September 15, 2000, stockholders of the Company agreed to exchange their shares of common stock for common stock of Stake Technology, Ltd. Under terms of the agreement, Stake Technology, Ltd. issued 7,000,000 common shares and warrants to purchase 500,000 additional common shares in exchange for all outstanding shares of the Company. The transaction above was immediately followed by Stake Technology, Ltd.'s contribution to Stake Minnesota II, Inc. of the outstanding shares of the Company obtained in the exchange described above. Stake Minnesota II, Inc. was then merged into the Company. The corporate existence of Stake Minnesota II, Inc. ceased and Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. continued as the surviving corporation. These financial statements represent the financial position of Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. at September 15, 2000, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the period ended September 15, 2000, all immediately prior to the transaction described above. Revenue Recognition Sales are recorded for products produced for human and animal consumption upon shipment to the customer. Revenues for custom drying services are recorded upon completion of quality testing. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined in the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Amortization is recorded over the shorter of the asset life or lease term on the straight-line method. Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of major facilities. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset's estimated useful life. For the period from January 1, 2000, through September 15, 2000, approximately $230,000 of interest was capitalized. 6 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense while major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in operations. Income Taxes The Company has elected S corporation status. As a result, no provision for federal and state income taxes is reflected in the financial statements because the stockholders will be allocated 100% of the Company's income in their individual income tax returns. A State of Minnesota minimum fee of $3,750 is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 2. Investments The Company owns a 50% interest in Norsun, LLC, with the remaining 50% interest owned by Sunrich, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Stake Technology, Ltd. Norsun, LLC owns 100% of the common stock of Nordic Aseptic, Inc. (Nordic) and 100% of the member interests of Star Valley LLC (Star Valley). Nordic was formed to purchase the assets of Hoffman Aseptic Packaging, Inc. during August 2000 for approximately $4,300,000. The purchase was paid for with the assumption of approximately $3,700,000 of debt and payment of approximately $500,000 in cash. Star Valley was formed to purchase the real estate and equipment from Custom Dried Foods, Inc. during March 2000 for $185,000. During the period ended September 15, 2000, the Company invested in and advanced to Nordic and Star Valley $375,720. In addition, the Company owes Sunrich, Inc. $331,707 for investments and advances to Norsun, LLC made on behalf of the Company. Subsequent to September 15, 2000, the Company has advanced an additional $285,000 to Nordic. For the period from January 1, 2000 through September 15, 2000, the Company's equity in the losses of Norsun, LLC was $280,009. Norsun, LLC reported a loss of $560,018 on its investment in Nordic for the period ended September 15, 2000. At September 15, 2000, Star Valley was not yet operational. At September 30, 2000, Nordic had total assets and liabilities of approximately $5,400,000 each, and Star Valley had total assets and liabilities of approximately $397,000 each. The Company had an investment in the common stock of Stake Technology Ltd., a publicly traded company (see Note 8). The Company's investment was classified as an available-for-sale security and was stated at fair value, with unrealized holding gains reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. During the period ended September 15, 2000, the stock was distributed to the Company's stockholders as a dividend in kind and a gain recognized on the disposition of the stock. The common stock had a cost of $34,360, and the Company recorded a gain of $160,597 during the period ended September 15, 2000. 3. Selected Financial Information Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable $ 3,315,518 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (25,000) ----------- $ 3,290,518 =========== 7 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inventories Raw materials $ 864,387 Work in process 115,170 Finished goods 701,202 ------------ $ 1,680,759 ============ Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Land $ 209,713 Buildings and leasehold improvements 7,665,101 Machinery, equipment and vehicles 8,629,294 Equipment under capital leases 303,067 Construction in progress 1,383,365 ------------ 18,190,540 Less accumulated depreciation (6,311,335) Less accumulated amortization for equipment under capital leases (123,296) ------------ $ 11,755,909 ============ 4. Financing Arrangements The Company maintains a line of credit with a bank, which provides for maximum borrowings of up to $1,000,000 based on eligible accounts receivable, with interest at the bank's reference rate plus 1.5% (9.5% at September 15, 2000). Borrowings under the line of credit are due December 31, 2000, and are collateralized by accounts receivable, inventories, certain equipment and a personal guarantee of two stockholders of the Company. Borrowings under the line of credit totaled $950,000 at September 15, 2000. The lender may subjectively accelerate payment of the outstanding amounts upon the occurrence of a material adverse change. At September 15, 2000, long-term debt consists of the following: Note payable to financial institution, interest at 9.45%, due in monthly payments of $144,043 through September 2003, collateralized by machinery, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The note includes a cross default provision. $4,495,475 Note payable to financial institution, interest at the 30-day commercial paper rate plus 3% (8.875% at September 15, 2000), due in monthly payments of $53,918 through September 2007. The note is collateralized by all machinery, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The note includes a cross default provision. 3,300,000 Uncollateralized note payable to related party in connection with the acquisition of property, interest at 8%, due in monthly payments of $2,543 through August 2005 (see Note 7). 125,409 8 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contract for deed assumed in conjunction with the acquisition of property from a related party, interest at 10%, due in monthly payments of $6,000 through August 2008, collateralized by the contract for deed property (see Note 7). $ 399,591 Mortgage payable to bank, interest at 9.375%, due in monthly payments of $3,260 through August 2005, collateralized by property. The lender may subjectively accelerate payment of the outstanding amounts upon the occurrence of a material adverse change. 310,202 Contract for deed payable in quarterly installments of $7,033, through January 2002; collateralized by the contract for deed property. 39,201 Capital lease obligations due in monthly payments through 2004, with interest ranging from 7.0% to 9.4%. 114,757 Note payable to a customer, discounted at 9.5%, payments of $11,111 commence on May 31, 2001 through April 30, 2002. 65,338 Other 16,822 ---------- 8,866,795 Less current portion (1,827,251) ---------- $7,039,544 ========== Scheduled maturities of long-term debt and payments due on capital leases are as follows: Capital Year Ending September 15 Leases Other Total 2001 $ 68,493 $1,765,784 $1,834,277 2002 36,835 1,995,107 2,031,942 2003 17,041 2,213,580 2,230,621 2004 2,653 551,792 554,445 2005 854,388 854,388 Thereafter 1,371,387 1,371,387 -------- ---------- ---------- 125,022 8,752,038 8,877,060 Less interest on capital leases (10,265) (10,265) -------- ---------- ---------- $ 114,757 $8,752,038 $8,866,795 ========= ========== ========== 5. Manufacturing Agreement with Rhodia, Inc. The Company has entered into an agreement with Rhodia, Inc. to serve as the primary manufacturer and processor of certain products for Rhodia, Inc. The agreement includes two periods with period one from September 2000 through August 2003 and period two from September 2004 through August 2007. Rhodia, Inc. can terminate the agreement after the end of period one upon providing twelve months notice to the Company. 9 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company incurred approximately $4,300,000 for plant expansion and equipment in order to meet the expected needs of Rhodia, Inc. During period one of the agreement, Rhodia, Inc. has agreed to repay the Company $4,300,000 through 36 monthly payments of $119,444 beginning in October 2000. Subsequently, during period two of the agreement, the Company will repay Rhodia, Inc. up to $1,720,000 (40% of $4,300,000) through sales price reductions to Rhodia, Inc. during that period. Under the agreement, the Company is required to obtain certain regulatory approvals, the last of which management represents was received September 27, 2000, thereby becoming the effective beginning date for the agreement. 6. Significant Customer Information At September 15, 2000, the Company had three customers who accounted for 16%, 14% and 11% of accounts receivable, respectively. During the period from January 1, 2000, through September 15, 2000, the Company had three customers that accounted for 16%, 15% and 11% of net sales, respectively. 7. Related Party Transactions The Company leases certain real estate from a stockholder under operating leases that expire through August 2010. Annual rental on each of the leases is $1. Prior to the purchase described below, the Company leased facilities from a limited liability company in which a stockholder is a member. The Company also leases from third parties certain equipment on month-to-month leases. Total rent expense was $102,408, including $81,987 paid to a limited liability company in which a stockholder is a member, for the period ended September 15, 2000. On August 24, 2000, the Company purchased land and building (previously leased by the Company) for $525,000 from a limited liability company in which a stockholder of the Company is a member. As part of the purchase, the Company assumed a contract for deed liability for approximately $400,000 and entered into a note payable to the stockholder (see Note 4) for approximately $125,000. On August 14, 2000, the Company purchased for cash a building from the majority stockholder for $117,000. At September 15, 2000, the Company had advances payable to Stake Technology, Ltd. and Sunrich, Inc. totaling $250,000 (see Note 2) and $331,707, respectively. The advances bear interest at 8.0%. During the period ended September 15, 2000, the Company paid Stake Technology, Ltd. $250,000 for consulting services provided to the Company. In addition, during the period the Company incurred $200,000 of expense with Nordic Aseptic, Inc. 10 Northern Food and Dairy, Inc. Notes to Financial Statements - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Other Commitments The Company is a co-guarantor along with Sunrich, Inc. on a $3,700,000 installment loan for Nordic Aseptic, Inc. (see Note 2). The loan is payable in monthly installments of $44,048 through September 2007, with interest at the prime rate plus 1.0%. The loan is collateralized by land, buildings and equipment owned by Nordic Aseptic, Inc. The installment loan contains restrictive financial covenants for the Company, including maintaining tangible net worth of $2,500,000, debt to tangible net worth of less than 5.5 to 1.0 and adjusted EBITDA, as defined, to current maturities of long-term debt and interest greater than or equal to 1.0%, both measured quarterly beginning September 30, 2000. The Company has a consulting agreement with a former officer. The agreement provides for monthly payments of $5,428 through January 2014. Consulting expense was $46,140 for the period ended September 15, 2000. 9. Defined Contribution Plan The Company has an employee profit sharing plan with a 401(k) feature which allows an annual contribution not to exceed the maximum amount allowed as a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). The amount contributed by the Company is determined annually by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company contributed $37,822 as a 401(k) matching contribution for the period from January 1, 2000 through September 15, 2000. There was no profit sharing contribution during the period. 11