CALAVO GROWERS INC - Quarter Report: 2004 July (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2004

OR

Commission file number: 000-33385

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

2530 Red Hill Avenue
Santa Ana, California 92705-5542
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(949) 223-1111
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X]    No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [X]    No [   ]

Registrant’s number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2004 was 13,506,833.

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

INDEX

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

In November 2003, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Maui Fresh International, Inc. for 576,924 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $4.05 million, plus acquisition costs of $65,000. See Note 1 for further explanation. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the non-cash assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.

1. Description of the business

Business

     Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures and markets avocados and other perishable foods and prepares and distributes processed avocado products. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processed avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a world-wide basis. Through our two operating facilities in Southern California and three facilities in Mexico, we sort and pack avocados procured in California and Mexico and prepare processed avocado products. Additionally, we procure avocados internationally, principally from Chile, the Dominican Republic and New Zealand, and distribute other perishable foods. We report these operations in three different business segments: California avocados, international avocados and perishable food products and processed products.

     The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Such adjustments consist of adjustments of a normal recurring nature. Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year. Our operations are sensitive to a number of factors, including weather-related phenomena and their effects on industry volumes, prices, product quality and costs. Operations are also sensitive to fluctuations in currency exchange rates in both sourcing and selling locations, as well as economic crises and security risks in developing countries. These statements should also be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003.

     In order to diversify our product lines and increase synergies within the marketplace, we acquired all the outstanding common shares of Maui Fresh International, Inc. (Maui) for 576,924 shares of our common stock valued at $4.05 million in November 2003, plus acquisition costs of $65,000. Maui, which generated approximately $20 million in revenues during its fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, is a specialty produce company servicing a wide array of retail, food service, and terminal market wholesale customers with over 25 different specialty commodities. The value of our common stock issued in conjunction with the acquisition was based on the average quoted market price of our common stock for three days before and after the announcement date.

     As security for certain potential contingencies, such as unrecorded liabilities, we are entitled to hold approximately 58,000 shares issued in conjunction with such acquisition for one full year from the acquisition date. In the event that these contingencies resolve as we expect them to, we will be obligated to return these shares.

     The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The difference from the previously reported amounts of goodwill and intangible assets of $867,000 resulted from the finalization of our valuation information in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

     Included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements are the following intangible assets: customer-related intangibles of $590,000 (accumulated amortization of $59,000 at July 31, 2004), brandname intangibles of $275,000 and other identified intangibles totaling $2,000 (accumulated amortization of $1,000 at July 31, 2004). The customer-related intangibles and other identified intangibles are being amortized over

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

five and two years. The intangible asset related to the brandname currently has an indefinite remaining useful life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. Goodwill is also not subject to amortization and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill and the brandname intangible will be tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if an event occurs which indicates that goodwill or the brandname intangible may be impaired. We have not identified impairment indicators related to goodwill or the brandname intangible. We anticipate that amortization related to amortizing intangibles will be approximately $89,000 for the year ended October 31, 2004. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $119,000 per annum from fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2008, with the remaining amortization expense of approximately $29,000 recorded in fiscal 2009. Pro forma statement of operations information is not presented, as the acquisition was not deemed to be a material business combination.

Stock Based Compensation

     As permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS No. 123”), which was amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure,” the Company accounts for stock-based compensation under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations.

     In December 2003, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 50,000 shares of our common stock to two members of our Board of Directors. Each option to acquire 25,000 shares vests in substantially equal installments over a three-year period, has an exercise price of $7.00 per share, and has a term of five years from the grant date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $10.01. In accordance with APB 25, we are recording compensation expense of approximately $151,000 over the vesting period of three years from the grant date. During the nine month period ended July 31, 2004, we recognized $33,000 of compensation expense with respect to stock option awards pursuant to APB 25. Had compensation cost for stock option awards been determined based on the fair value of each award at its grant date, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company’s pro forma net income and net income per share would have been as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

     For purposes of pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123, the estimated fair value of the options is assumed to be amortized to compensation expense over the options’ vesting period. The fair value of the options granted in

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2004 has been estimated at the date of grant using the binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions:

     The binomial option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. Because options held by our directors have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of these options.

Reclassifications

     Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

2. Information regarding our operations in different segments

     We operate and track results in three reportable segments: California avocados, international avocados and perishable foods products, and processed products. These three business segments are presented based on our management structure and information used by our president to measure performance and allocate resources. The California avocados segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados grown in California. The international avocados and perishable foods products segment includes both operations related to distribution of fresh avocados grown outside of California and distribution of other perishable food items. The processed products segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of processed avocado products. Those costs that can be specifically identified with a particular product line are charged directly to that product line. Costs that are not segment specific are generally allocated based on five-year average sales dollars. We do not allocate assets or specifically identify them to our operating segments.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

     The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

3. Inventories

     Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

     During the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003, we were not required to, and did not, record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market.

4. Related party transactions

     We sell papayas obtained from an entity owned by our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $4,999,000, and $2,066,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 and 2003, resulting in gross margins of approximately $618,000 and $199,000. Included in trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities are approximately $92,000 and $296,000 at July 31, 2004 and October 31, 2003 due to this entity.

     Certain members of our Board of Directors market avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers. During the nine months ended July 31, 2004 and 2003, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $2.3 million.

5. Other events

Dividend payment

     On January 5, 2004, we paid a $0.25 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $3,376,000 to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2003. Included in this dividend payment was $144,000 related to dividends declared in November 2003 related to the shares issued in conjunction with the acquisition of Maui, as described in Note 1.

Commitments

     In June 2003, in order to facilitate the operations of one of our processed avocado product suppliers, we entered into a contract guaranteeing payment of certain invoices rendered to such supplier. The term of this guarantee is from June 2003 through December 2004, but can be cancelled at any time at our discretion. Additionally, the maximum amount subject to guarantee at any one time cannot exceed $90,000. As of July 31, 2004, no amounts or orders were outstanding and all amounts owed by such supplier related to this guarantee have been remitted.

Corporate headquarters building

     In August 2004, we entered into an agreement to sell our corporate headquarters building located in Santa Ana, California for $3,400,000. Escrow related to such transaction is expected to close near the end of fiscal 2004, but we have negotiated with the purchaser to lease the premises until the expected relocation date in January 2005 at no additional expense. This transaction will result in a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $1.7 million, plus the fair value of the rent-free use of the premises, at closing. We currently plan to relocate our corporate offices in or near Santa Paula, California. We expect to complete the move of our corporate headquarters in January 2005.

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CALAVO GROWERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Renewal of Credit Facilities

     In January 2004, we renewed our two short-term, non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities. These credit facilities expire in January 2006 and April 2006 and are with separate banks. Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for working capital purposes. Total credit available under the combined short-term borrowing agreements was $24,000,000 at July 31, 2004, with interest at a weighted-average rate of 2.3% at July 31, 2004. The credit facilities contain various financial covenants with which we were in compliance at July 31, 2004.

6. Processed product segment restructuring

     In February 2003, our Board of Directors approved a plan whereby the operations of our processed products business would be relocated. The plan calls for the closing of our Santa Paula, California and Mexicali, Baja California Norte processing facilities and the relocation of these operations to a new facility in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico. We believe that this restructuring will provide cost savings in the elimination of certain transportation costs, duplicative overhead structures, and savings in the overall cost of labor and services. The Uruapan facility commenced operations in February 2004.

     We expect to pay additional employee separation costs in connection with our planned future closure of our Mexicali, Baja California Norte production facility, which will be recognized when incurred. Those costs have not yet been quantified and are expected to be accrued for and paid later in fiscal year 2004. As of July 31, 2004, we have not accrued for any charges relating to the production assets being held at our Mexicali, Baja California Norte production facility as it is anticipated that all such assets will be re-commissioned at our new facility in Uruapan, Michoacan or their carrying value is less than their net realizable value.

     Additional restructuring related expenses are expected to be incurred during fiscal 2004, but such amounts are not yet determinable.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2003 of Calavo Growers, Inc. (we, Calavo, or the Company).

Recent Developments

Dividend payment

     On January 5, 2004, we paid a $0.25 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $3,376,000 to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2003. Included in this dividend payment was $144,000 related to dividends declared in November 2003 related to the shares issued in conjunction with the acquisition of Maui, as described in Note 1.

Renewal of credit facilities

     In January 2004, we renewed our two short-term, non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities. These credit facilities expire in January 2006 and April 2006 and are with separate banks. Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for working capital purposes. Total credit available under the combined short-term borrowing agreements was $24,000,000 at July 31, 2004, with interest at a weighted-average rate of 2.3% at July 31, 2004. The credit facilities contain various financial covenants with which we were in compliance at July 31, 2004.

Acquisition

     In order to diversify our product lines and increase synergies within the marketplace, we acquired all the outstanding common shares of Maui Fresh International, Inc. (Maui) for 576,924 shares of our common stock valued at $4.05 million in November 2003, plus acquisition costs of $65,000. Maui, which generated approximately $20 million in revenues during its fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, is a specialty produce company servicing a wide array of retail, food service, and terminal market wholesale customers with over 25 different specialty commodities. The value of our common stock issued in conjunction with the acquisition was based on the average quoted market price of our common stock for three days before and after the announcement date.

     As security for certain potential contingencies, such as unrecorded liabilities, we are entitled to hold approximately 58,000 shares issued in conjunction with such acquisition for one full year from the acquisition date. In the event that these contingencies resolve as we expect them to, we will be obligated to return these shares.

     The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The differences from the previously reported amounts of goodwill and intangible assets of $867,000 resulted from the finalization of our valuation information in the second quarter of fiscal 2004.

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Included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements are the following intangible assets: customer-related intangibles of $590,000 (accumulated amortization of $59,000 at July 31, 2004), brandname intangibles of $275,000 and other identified intangibles totaling $2,000 (accumulated amortization of $1,000 at July 31, 2004). The customer-related intangibles and other identified intangibles are being amortized over five and two years. The intangible asset related to the brandname currently has an indefinite remaining useful life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. Goodwill is also not subject to amortization and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill and the brandname intangible will be tested for impairment at least annually and more frequently if an event occurs which indicates that goodwill or the brandname intangible may be impaired. We have not identified impairment indicators related to goodwill or the brandname intangible. We anticipate that amortization related to amortizing intangibles will be approximately $89,000 for the year ended October 31, 2004. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $119,000 per annum from fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2008, with the remaining amortization expense of approximately $29,000 recorded in fiscal 2009. Pro forma statement of operations information is not presented, as the acquisition was not deemed to be a material business combination.

Processed product segment restructuring

     In February 2003, our Board of Directors approved a plan whereby the operations of our processed products business would be relocated. The plan calls for the closing of our Santa Paula, California and Mexicali, Baja California Norte processing facilities and the relocation of these operations to a new facility in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico. We believe that this restructuring will provide cost savings in the elimination of certain transportation costs, duplicative overhead structures, and savings in the overall cost of labor and services. The Uruapan facility commenced operations in February 2004.

     We expect to pay additional employee separation costs in connection with our planned future closure of our Mexicali, Baja California Norte production facility, which will be recognized when incurred. Those costs have not yet been quantified and are expected to be accrued for and paid later in fiscal year 2004. As of July 31, 2004, we have not accrued for any charges relating to the production assets being held at our Mexicali, Baja California Norte production facility as it is anticipated that all such assets will be re-commissioned at our new facility in Uruapan, Michoacan or their carrying value is less than their net realizable value.

     Additional restructuring related expenses are expected to be incurred during fiscal 2004, but such amounts are not yet determinable.

Corporate headquarters building

     In August 2004, we entered into an agreement to sell our corporate headquarters building located in Santa Ana, California for $3,400,000. Escrow related to such transaction is expected to close near the end of fiscal 2004, but we have negotiated with the purchaser to lease the premises until the expected relocation date in January 2005 at no additional expense. This transaction will result in a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $1.7 million, plus the fair value of the rent-free use of the premises, at closing. We currently plan to relocate our corporate offices in or near Santa Paula, California. We expect to complete the move of our corporate headquarters in January 2005.

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Net Sales

     The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment for each of the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003:

     Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 increased by $2.0 million, or 2.4%; whereas net sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 compared to fiscal 2003, increased by $25.8 million, or 14.1%. Consistent with the historical seasonality of the California avocado harvest season, our California avocado business generated 80.1% of our consolidated net sales for the third quarter, as compared to 83.5% for the same prior year period. For the three and nine month periods, our net sales growth reflects an increasing percentage of our business being generated from our international avocados and perishable food products segment. This increase was driven primarily by additional sales related to the acquisition of Maui, as well as increases in the volume and/or price per carton of avocados being imported from Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Such increases, however, were partially offset by decreases in Chilean and New Zealand sourced fruit. Net sales generated by our processed products business are not generally subject to the seasonal effect experienced by our other operating segments. For the nine month period, the decrease in net sales to third parties delivered by our processed products business was due primarily to a decrease in total pounds of product sold, partially offset by marginal increases in average selling prices. We anticipate that sales generated from our California avocados and international avocados and perishable food products segments will continue to represent the majority of total net sales and the percentage of total net sales generated from these segments may increase in the future.

     Net sales to third parties by segment exclude value-added services billed by our Uruapan packinghouse, Uruapan processing plant and Mexicali processing plant to the parent company. All intercompany sales are eliminated in our consolidated results of operations.

California avocados

     Net sales delivered by the business decreased by approximately $1.2 million, or 1.8%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2004 when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003. The decrease in sales reflects a decrease in our average selling prices, partially offset by a 30% increase in pounds of avocados sold, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase in pounds is consistent with the expected increase in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2003/2004 season. Our market share of California avocados increased slightly to 33.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, when compared to a 31.7% market share for the same prior year period.

     Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $6.0 million, or 5.2%, for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, compared to the same fiscal 2003 period. The increase in sales reflects an 11.2% increase in pounds of avocados sold, partially offset by a decrease in our average selling prices when compared to the same prior year

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period. This increase in delivered pounds is consistent with the expected increase in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2003/2004 season. Our market share of California avocados remained fairly consistent at 33.9% for the nine months ended July 31, 2004, compared to 33.4% for the same period in the prior year.

     Average selling prices, on a per carton basis, for California avocados for the third quarter and the nine months of fiscal 2004 were 26.2% and 6.2% lower when compared to the same prior year periods. This pricing structure primarily reflects the impact of a larger California avocado harvest.

     We anticipate that our California avocado business will experience a seasonal decrease during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2004. In addition, we believe that the introduction of imported avocados in the U.S. marketplace will negatively impact average selling prices, principally as a result of an increase in volume.

International and perishable food products

     For the quarter ended July 31, 2004, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003, sales to third-party customers increased by approximately $5.1 million, or 109.8%. For the quarters ended July 31, 2004 and 2003, net sales exclude approximately $1.3 million and $0.9 million of value-added services billed by our Mexican subsidiaries to the parent company, which are eliminated from our consolidated financial results.

     For the nine months of fiscal 2004, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003, sales to third-party customers increased by approximately $21.2 million, or 45.1%. For the nine months of fiscal 2004 and 2003, net sales exclude approximately $6.2 million and $4.8 million of value-added services billed by our Mexican subsidiaries to the parent company, which are eliminated from our consolidated financial results.

     The increased sales to third-parties by our international and perishable food products business are primarily driven by the additional sales related to the acquisition of Maui in November 2003, as well as increased sales of Mexican and Dominican Republic grown avocados in the U.S., Japanese, and/or European marketplace.

     For the quarter ended July 31, 2004, the additional sales related to the acquisition of Maui totaled approximately $4.1 million. Additionally, sales of Mexican sourced fruit increased $740,000 for the quarter ended July 31, 2004, when compared to the same prior period, primarily as a result of a 24.7% increase in pounds of Mexican fruit handled.

     For the nine months ended July 31, 2004, the additional sales related to the acquisition of Maui totaled approximately $14.1 million. Additionally, sales of Mexican and Dominican Republic sourced fruit increased $5,503,000 and $6,560,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2004, when compared to the same prior period, primarily as a result of a 21.3% and 100% increase in pounds of Mexican and Dominican Republic fruit handled. Such increases, however, were partially offset by decreases in Chilean fruit sales. For the nine months ended July 31, 2004, sales of Chilean sourced fruit decreased $6,516,000, when compared to the same prior period. This was primarily the result of a 53.8% decrease in the volume of Chilean fruit handled, when compared to the same prior year period.

     For the fourth fiscal quarter, we anticipate sales for this segment to increase gradually. This is consistent with the seasonal nature of the availability of foreign sourced avocados in the U.S marketplace. We believe Chilean avocados will begin to be sold in late August or early September and this will continue well into the first quarter of fiscal 2005. In addition, we plan on strong demand for Mexican avocados from the Japanese market for the entire fourth fiscal quarter. Mexican avocados will begin to be sold into the United States marketplace by mid-October and should continue well into the second fiscal quarter of 2005, as permitted by the existing rules on the importation of Mexican sourced fruit. We are reviewing the assessment issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which, if adopted as drafted, would lift current import limits on Hass avocados from Mexico into the United States.

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Processed products

     For the quarter ended July 31, 2004, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003, sales to third-party customers decreased by approximately $2.0 million, or 22.8%. This decrease is primarily related to a decrease in pounds of product sold of approximately 1.0 million pounds, or 21.4%, which primarily relates to a lack of inventory to meet customer demand. For the quarter ended July 31, 2004, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003, we did not experience a significant fluctuation in our net selling prices. For the quarters ended July 31, 2004 and 2003, net sales exclude approximately $2.3 million and $1.2 million of value-added services billed by our Mexican subsidiaries to the parent company, which are eliminated from our consolidated financial results.

     For the first nine months of fiscal 2004, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003, sales to third-party customers decreased by approximately $1.4 million, or 6.8%. This decrease is primarily related to a decrease in pounds of product sold of approximately 0.9 million pounds, or 8.3%, which primarily relates to a lack of inventory to meet customer demand. For the first nine months ended July 31, 2004, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2003, we did not experience a significant fluctuation in our net selling prices. For the first nine months of fiscal 2004 and 2003, net sales exclude approximately $4.9 million and $3.1 million of value-added services billed by our Mexican subsidiaries to the parent company, which are eliminated from our consolidated financial results.

     Our ultra high pressure products continue to experience solid demand. For the three and nine month period ending July 31, 2004, sales of high pressure product totaled approximately $1.6 million and $4.2 million, as compared to $1.0 and $1.9 million for the same prior year period. Such sales, however, relate solely to our single ultra high pressure machine in Mexicali. We believe that when the second, much larger, high pressure machine, in our new facility in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico, comes online, which is expected to take place in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2004, sales related to our high pressure product will increase even further. We believe that this product line will, in the long-term, successfully address a growing market segment.

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Gross Margins

     The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business segment for each of the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2004 and 2003:

     Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of fruit costs, packing materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products and other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Consolidated gross margin, as a percent of sales, decreased 1.1% and 1.7% for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2004. These decreases were principally attributable to decreased profitability in our international avocados and perishable food products operating segment, as well as our processed product segment.

     The gross profit percentages generated by our international avocados and perishable food products (international) business were negatively impacted by an increase in fruit costs. This increase in fruit costs had the effect of increasing our per pound costs, which, as a result, adversely affected gross margins. Further, our international segment experienced an increase in sales of non-exported fruit, which typically generate lower margins then exported fruit. These decreases, however, were partially offset by increases in fruit volume, which had the effect of reducing our per pound packing costs. The processed products gross profit percentages decreased primarily as a result of inefficiencies being experienced in the start-up process of our newly constructed facility in Uruapan, Mexico and the winding down of the operations at our Mexicali, Mexico facility. Such inefficiencies primarily relate to subcontracting costs and duplicative overhead costs. Additionally, our processed product segment experienced higher fruit costs, as well as an increase in the sale of products that generate a lower gross margin then those sold in the prior year. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for our processed product segment will continue to experience significant fluctuations during the next fiscal quarter primarily due to the aforementioned inefficiencies and the uncertainty of fruit costs that will be used in the production process.

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Selling, General and Administrative