Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 27, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-14706

 

 

FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

The Cayman Islands   N/A

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S Employer

Identification No.)

 

Walker House, Mary Street

P.O. Box 908GT

George Town, Grand Cayman

  N/A
(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office)   (Zip Code)

(305) 520-8400

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Please send copies of notices and communications from the Securities and Exchange Commission to:

c/o Del Monte Fresh Produce Company

241 Sevilla Avenue

Coral Gables, Florida 33134

(Address of Registrant’s U.S. Executive Office)

 

 

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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨

   Accelerated filer  x   

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

   Smaller reporting company  ¨   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of July 18, 2008, there were 63,504,211ordinary shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. issued and outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

This Report, information included in future filings by Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (“Fresh Del Monte”) and information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on behalf of Fresh Del Monte contain, or may contain, statements that constitute forward-looking statements. In this report, these statements appear in a number of places and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Fresh Del Monte or its officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or similar expressions) with respect to various matters, including (i) Fresh Del Monte’s anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash, (ii) its liquidity and financing plans, (iii) its ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into its operations, (iv) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations, including anticipated fresh produce sales price levels and anticipated expense levels, in particular, higher production and fuel costs and the impact of weather and other factors, including the availability of sufficient labor during peak growing and harvesting seasons, on crop quality and yields and the cost and availability of the products we sell, (v) its plans for expansion of its businesses (including through acquisitions) and cost savings, (vi) the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, (vii) the impact of competition and (viii) the resolution of certain legal and environmental proceedings. All forward-looking statements in this Report are based on information available to Fresh Del Monte on the date hereof, and Fresh Del Monte assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. It is important to note that Fresh Del Monte’s actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The accompanying information contained in this Report identifies important factors that could cause Fresh Del Monte’s actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1. Financial Statements   
       Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 27, 2008 (unaudited) and December 28, 2007    1
       Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the quarter and six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007    2
       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007    3
       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    4
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    23
Item 4. Controls and Procedures    23
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings    23
Item 1A. Risk Factors    23
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    24
Item 6. Exhibits    25
Signatures    26


Table of Contents

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data)

 

     June 27,
2008
   December 28,
2007
     (Unaudited)     

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 33.6    $ 30.2

Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $21.1 and $20.4, respectively

     382.3      343.3

Other accounts receivables, net of allowance of $13.2 and $14.6, respectively

     58.4      70.6

Inventories

     399.3      406.9

Deferred income taxes

     8.1      9.1

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     31.6      27.8
             

Total current assets

     913.3      887.9
             

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated companies

     7.5      10.6

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,025.0      851.8

Deferred income taxes

     68.0      63.8

Other noncurrent assets

     138.0      118.4

Goodwill

     452.0      253.2
             

Total assets

   $ 2,603.8    $ 2,185.7
             

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 434.3    $ 358.5

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     7.2      6.9

Deferred income taxes

     20.9      20.2

Income taxes and other taxes payable

     12.6      11.1
             

Total current liabilities

     475.0      396.7
             

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     441.4      231.7

Retirement benefits

     57.8      57.2

Other noncurrent liabilities

     38.1      34.9

Deferred income taxes

     88.6      85.6
             

Total liabilities

     1,100.9      806.1
             

Minority interests

     16.7      14.8

Commitments and contingencies

     —        —  

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Preferred shares, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

     —        —  

Ordinary shares, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 63,504,211 issued and outstanding and 62,702,916 issued and outstanding, respectively

     0.6      0.6

Paid-in capital

     543.1      518.0

Retained earnings

     912.4      806.9

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     30.1      39.3
             

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,486.2      1,364.8
             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,603.8    $ 2,185.7
             

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data)

 

     Quarter ended     Six months ended  
     June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
 

Net sales

   $ 972.2    $ 924.2     $ 1,867.1    $ 1,760.2  

Cost of products sold

     872.6      804.6       1,670.6      1,541.5  
                              

Gross profit

     99.6      119.6       196.5      218.7  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     42.8      47.4       82.2      89.6  

Asset impairment and other charges, net

     11.6      4.9       16.2      2.0  
                              

Operating income

     45.2      67.3       98.1      127.1  

Interest expense

     2.5      8.0       5.9      17.2  

Interest income

     0.5      0.6       0.8      0.8  

Other income, net

     2.4      0.2       14.9      4.1  
                              

Income before income taxes

     45.6      60.1       107.9      114.8  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     3.7      (3.8 )     2.4      (0.7 )
                              

Net income

   $ 41.9    $ 63.9     $ 105.5    $ 115.5  
                              

Net income per ordinary share - Basic

   $ 0.66    $ 1.11     $ 1.67    $ 2.00  
                              

Net income per ordinary share - Diluted

   $ 0.66    $ 1.10     $ 1.66    $ 2.00  
                              

Weighted average number of ordinary shares:

          

Basic

     63,455,713      57,769,054       63,157,388      57,734,471  
                              

Diluted

     63,804,052      58,026,291       63,581,121      57,886,434  
                              

See accompanying notes.

 

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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(U.S. dollars in millions)

 

     Six months ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 105.5     $ 115.5  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     41.8       38.7  

Gain on pension liability

     (1.4 )     (4.7 )

Stock-based compensation expense

     3.8       3.0  

Asset impairment charges

     12.6       5.1  

Change in uncertain tax positions

     (1.9 )     (1.7 )

Gain on sale of assets

     (5.7 )     (5.3 )

Equity in loss of unconsolidated companies

     3.1       3.1  

Deferred income taxes

     0.9       (2.8 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (1.9 )     3.5  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     (21.6 )     (33.2 )

Inventories

     29.4       (2.4 )

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (10.6 )     (2.7 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     60.7       33.6  

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities

     (5.8 )     (18.2 )
                
Net cash provided by operating activities      208.9       131.5  
                
Investing activities:     

Capital expenditures

     (43.3 )     (46.0 )

Proceeds from sales of assets

     8.6       7.8  

Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

     (400.6 )     —    

Other investing activities, net

     —         0.5  
                
Net cash used in investing activities      (435.3 )     (37.7 )
                
Financing activities:     

Proceeds from long-term debt

     517.6       285.1  

Payments on long-term debt

     (307.8 )     (381.7 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised

     21.3       1.8  
                
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities      231.1       (94.8 )
                
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash      (1.3 )     (0.3 )
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     3.4       (1.3 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning

     30.2       39.8  
                

Cash and cash equivalents, ending

   $ 33.6     $ 38.5  
                
Supplemental cash flow information:     

Cash paid for interest

   $ 4.4     $ 17.4  
                

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 0.8     $ 1.2  
                
Non cash financing and investing activities     

Purchase of subsidiaries

   $ 11.5       —    

Purchase of assets under capital lease obligations

   $ 0.1     $ 9.9  

Retirement of treasury stock

   $ —       $ 5.8  
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. General

References in this report to Fresh Del Monte, “we”, “our”, “us”, and the “Company” refer to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

We were incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 29, 1996 and are 26.8% owned by IAT Group Inc. as of June 27, 2008, which is 100% beneficially owned by members of the Abu-Ghazaleh family. In addition, members of the Abu-Ghazaleh family directly own 7.7% of our outstanding ordinary shares as of June 27, 2008.

Prior to March 31, 2008, we qualified as a “foreign private issuer” for purposes of filing and disclosure requirements under the United States securities laws. As a “foreign private issuer” under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we filed our annual report with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form 20-F. Effective March 31, 2008, we no longer satisfied the definition of a “foreign private issuer” under the Exchange Act and we are now required to file our annual reports on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position as of June 27, 2008 and our operating results and cash flows for the quarter and six-month period then ended. Interim results are subject to significant seasonal variations and may not be indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire 2008 year.

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

For additional information, see our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 28, 2007.

2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosures about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. SFAS No. 157 was effective for us beginning on December 29, 2007, the first day of our 2008 year.

Additionally on February 6, 2008, the FASB finalized FASB Staff Position 157-2, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FSP 157-2”) and agreed to defer the effective date of SFAS No. 157 until years beginning after November 15, 2008 for certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The deferral applies to the annual assessment of fair value performed for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, long-lived assets measured at fair value for an impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, asset retirement obligations accounted for under SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” and liabilities for exit or disposal activities initially measured at fair value under SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. In accordance with SFAS No. 157 and FSP 157-2, we have adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 with respect to our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value within the Consolidated Financial Statements commencing on December 29, 2007, the first day of our 2008 year. Our adoption of SFAS No. 157 has not had any material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 27, 2008. Refer to note 14, “Fair Value Measurements”. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the items deferred by FSP 157-2 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” and Statement No. 160, “Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51”. These new standards will significantly change the accounting for and reporting of business combination transactions and noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 requires classification of noncontrolling interests as a component of consolidated shareholder’s equity and the elimination of “minority interest” accounting in results of operations. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests are required to be reported as part of consolidated earnings and not as a separate component of income or expense. However, earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interests are required to be disclosed on the face of the income statement. SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 160 are required to be adopted simultaneously and are effective on the first day of our 2009 year. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 141(R) and SFAS No. 160 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, an amendment of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS No. 161 requires entities to provide greater transparency in derivative disclosures by requiring qualitative disclosure about objectives and strategies for using derivatives and quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We will be required to comply with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 161 in our 2009 first quarter financial statements.

3. Acquisitions

On June 6, 2008, we completed the acquisition for 100% of the shares of Desarollo Agroindustrial de Frutales, S.A., a producer of high quality bananas in Costa Rica; Frutas de Exportacion, S.A., a major provider of gold pineapples in Costa Rica; and an affiliated sales and marketing company, collectively known as “Caribana” for a purchase price of $405.4 million, which includes $2.4 million in acquisition related expenses. The acquisition was funded with $88.5 million in cash on hand and drawings under the existing syndicated revolving credit facility, which matures on November 10, 2009.

As a result of the acquisition, our current land holdings in Costa Rica increased by approximately 13,000 hectares of quality farm land. In addition to farm land, the Company acquired plantations and farming and packing infrastructure for the production of bananas and pineapples. Caribana produces approximately 13 million boxes of bananas and 11 million boxes of pineapples annually.

The purchase price allocation for this transaction is preliminary. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation during 2008. The allocation will be completed when the appraisal of assets acquired, valuation of intangibles, and estimates associated with deferred taxes and other costs related to the acquisition are finalized. The actual allocation of the purchase price and the effect on our consolidated financial position will likely differ from the unaudited condensed balance sheet of Caribana included herein.

The following is a condensed balance sheet of Caribana at June 6, 2008, based on the preliminary assessment of fair value including the major captions of assets acquired (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

Cash acquired

   $ 1.6  

Property, Plant and Equipment

     175.5  

Other assets, net

     0.4  

Inventories

     20.8  

Non-compete agreements

     9.4  

Deferred taxes

     (0.3 )
        

Estimated fair market value of assets acquired

     207.4  

Purchase price

     405.4  
        

Goodwill

   $ 198.0  
        

The valuation of property, plant and equipment to be provided by an independent appraisal is pending. The fair value of intangible assets acquired and goodwill are based on preliminary valuations provided by independent appraisals. The non-compete agreements obtained as part of the Caribana acquisition are being amortized over a period of 10 years. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price above the fair market value of the net assets acquired. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, $198.0 million in goodwill will be allocated to the other fresh produce segment, none of which is tax deductible.

We have included the operations of Caribana in our Consolidated Statements of Income beginning with the June 6, 2008 acquisition date.

 

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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

 

3. Acquisitions (continued)

The following unaudited pro-forma information presents a summary of our consolidated results of operations as if the Caribana acquisition had occurred as of December 30, 2006, the first day of our 2007 year (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Quarter ended    Six months ended
     June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Net sales

   $ 1,010.4    $ 967.6    $ 1,941.5    $ 1,842.1

Net income

   $ 43.8    $ 68.6    $ 112.4    $ 124.6

Net income per ordinary share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.69    $ 1.19    $ 1.78    $ 2.16

Diluted

   $ 0.69    $ 1.18    $ 1.77    $ 2.15

Weighted average number of ordinary shares:

           

Basic

     63,455,713      57,769,054      63,157,388      57,734,471

Diluted

     63,804,052      58,026,291      63,581,121      57,886,434

On June 27, 2008, we acquired certain operating assets, excluding land, of Melones de Costa Rica, S.A. (“MCR”). MCR is a 50% owned unconsolidated subsidiary that produced melons for us in Costa Rica. MCR will continue to own the land which will be leased to us on a long-term basis. Total area under production is approximately 2,300 hectares with an estimated annual production of 3 million boxes. The purchase price is approximately $8.3 million of which $4.2 million will be paid in 2008 using operating cash flows and available borrowings under our Credit Facility and the remaining $4.1 million will be paid in June 2009.

4. Asset Impairment and Other Charges

The following represents a summary of asset impairment and other charges (credits), net recorded during the quarter and six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007 (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Quarter ended     Six months ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
 

Charges related to asset impairments

   $ 12.1     $ 5.1     $ 12.6    $ 5.1  

Other charges (credits) related to exit activities, net

     (0.5 )     (0.2 )     3.6      (3.1 )
                               

Total asset impairment and other charges, net

   $ 11.6     $ 4.9     $ 16.2    $ 2.0  
                               

The $11.6 million in asset impairment and other charges, net for the quarter ended June 27, 2008 includes an asset impairment charge of $9.5 million due to extensive flood damage in our Brazil banana operations and $2.3 million in charges primarily related to asset impairment due to the closure of under-utilized distribution centers in the United Kingdom in the banana segment. Also included in the $11.6 million is a net credit of $0.7 million related to the previously announced decision to exit production activities in Hawaii in 2006 principally related to the amortization of deferred pension gains in the other fresh produce segment.

The $16.2 million in asset impairment and other charges, net for the six months ended June 27, 2008 includes an asset impairment charge of $9.5 million due to extensive flood damage in our Brazil banana operations and $5.9 million in charges related to the closure of under-utilized distribution centers in the United Kingdom in the banana segment. Of the $5.9 million, $3.1 million relates to asset impairment and a net charge of $2.8 million relates to one-time termination benefits and contract termination costs. Also included in the $16.2 million are charges of $1.7 million related to one-time termination benefits resulting from the previously announced closure of a beverage production facility in the United Kingdom in the prepared food segment and a net credit of $1.1 million related to the previously announced decision to exit production activities in Hawaii in 2006 of which $1.6 million relates to the amortization of deferred pension gains offset by $0.4 million related to other exit activity charges in the other fresh produce segment.

 

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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

 

4. Asset Impairment and Other Charges (continued)

We maintain insurance for both property damage and business interruption applicable to our production facilities including our operations in Brazil. The policies providing the coverage are subject to deductibles of $0.1 million for property damage and business interruption. We are pursuing recoveries under both policies related to the damage to our banana operations in Brazil. The amount of total recoveries cannot be estimated at this time.

Asset impairment and other charges, net for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2007 includes $5.1 million in asset impairment charges related to assets held for sale and $0.4 million related to exit activities in Italy included in the prepared food segment.

As a result of the decision to exit all production activities in Hawaii in 2006, we recorded a net gain of $0.6 million and $3.5 million for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2007 in asset impairment and other charges, net primarily related to the U.S. based post-retirement healthcare plan. The $0.6 million net gain for the quarter ended June 29, 2007 was primarily due to the amortization of deferred pension gains. The $3.5 million net credit includes a curtailment gain of $3.4 million and amortization of deferred pension gains of $1.0 million. The curtailment gain of $3.4 million occurred as a result of the recognition of a prior service credit due to employee turnover and actuarial gains for the six months ended June 29, 2007. The $3.5 million net credit also includes a charge of $1.0 million for additional one-time termination benefits as a result of legal proceedings and negotiations with the union in Hawaii.

Exit Activity Reserves

The following represents a rollforward of 2008 activities related to exit activity reserves (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Exit activity
reserve balance at
December 28, 2007
   Impact to
Earnings
   Cash
Paid
    Exit activity
reserve balance at
June 27, 2008

One time termination benefits

   $ 4.4    $ 2.2    $ (2.3 )   $ 4.3

Contract termination and other exit activity charges

     2.6      2.7      (2.7 )     2.6
                            
   $ 7.0    $ 4.9    $ (5.0 )   $ 6.9
                            

Included in the exit activity reserve balance at June 27, 2008 are one-time termination benefits, contract termination costs and other exit activity charges related primarily to (1) the previously announced decision to exit the Hawaiian production operations included in the other fresh produce segment and (2) the closure of under-utilized distribution centers in the United Kingdom in the banana segment.

5. Uncertain Tax Positions

As of December 28, 2007, we had $13.0 million of uncertain tax positions, including $2.2 million of interest and penalties. During the quarter ended June 27, 2008, there was a decrease of $0.7 million relating to uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties of $0.2 million, as a result of the reversal of tax positions recorded during a prior period. The change in uncertain tax positions for the quarter ended June 27, 2008 was a net benefit of $0.1 million all of which will affect the effective tax rate.

We classify interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense in Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

 

6. Stock-Based Compensation

On April 30, 2008, our shareholders approved and ratified an amendment to the 1999 Share Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”), which authorized an additional 3,000,000 shares increasing the aggregate ordinary shares to 9,000,000 under which options may be granted under the 1999 Plan.

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options included in the determination of income before taxes and net income totaled $1.7 million or $0.03 per diluted share and $3.8 million or $0.06 per diluted share for the quarter and six months ended June 27, 2008 and $1.5 million or $0.03 per diluted share and $3.0 million or $0.05 per diluted share for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2007, respectively, on a straight-line, single award basis and is included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, in selling, general and administrative expenses.

We are in a net operating loss position in the relevant jurisdictions. Therefore, for the quarter and six months ended June 27, 2008, deferred tax assets related to stock-based compensation expense have been fully reserved and there was no reduction in taxes currently payable or related effect on cash flows as the result of excess tax benefits from stock options exercised in these periods. The proceeds received from exercise of stock options were $21.3 million and $1.8 million for the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, respectively.

As a result of the retirement of a former executive, on May 2, 2008, we modified his existing grants to accelerate vesting on 30,000 of his unvested options. Consistent with FASB SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, the original granted options were cancelled and new modified options were granted with accelerated vesting terms. These options became fully vested on the date of retirement. Based on the modified grant date fair values of $18.28 and $5.54, we recognized $0.6 million of stock-based compensation expense related to this grant which is included in the $1.7 million and $3.8 million of stock compensation expense for the quarter and six months ended June 27, 2008.

On February 27, 2008, we granted 161,000 stock options from our 1999 Plan to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with a grant date fair value of $11.71 per option. These options vested 20% on the grant date and then will vest 20% on each of the next four anniversary dates.

On February 27, 2008, we granted, in equal amounts, stock options from our 1999 Plan totaling 43,750 to seven non-management members of our Board of Directors with a grant date fair value of $9.25 per option. These options vested 100% on the grant date.

On May 2, 2007, we granted 161,000 stock options from our 1999 Share Incentive Program to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with a grant date fair value of $8.90 per option. These options vested 20% on the grant date and then will vest 20% on each of the next four anniversary dates. These options may be exercised over a period not in excess of ten years.

On February 28, 2007, we granted, in equal amounts, stock options from our 1997 Share Incentive Plan totaling 37,500 to six non-management members of our Board of Directors with a grant date fair value of $3.94 per option. These options vested 100% on the grant date.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

 

7. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     June 27,
2008
   December 28,
2007

Finished goods

   $ 154.0    $ 170.7

Raw materials and packaging supplies

     126.1      126.2

Growing crops

     119.2      110.0
             

Total inventories

   $ 399.3    $ 406.9
             

8. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Our long-term debt consists principally of a four-year syndicated revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch, as administrative agent. The Credit Facility includes a revolving commitment of $600.0 million expiring on November 10, 2009 and a term loan commitment (the “Term Loan”).

The Term Loan is a five-year amortizing loan with quarterly payments of principal and interest which matures on May 10, 2011. At June 27, 2008, we had $141.6 million outstanding under the Term Loan. The interest rate on the Term Loan (3.25% at June 27, 2008) is based on a spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”).

The Credit Facility is collateralized directly or indirectly by substantially all of our assets and is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. The Credit Facility permits borrowings with an interest rate, determined by our leverage ratio, based on a spread over LIBOR (3.32% at June 27, 2008). The Credit Facility requires us to be in compliance with various financial and other covenants and limits the amount of future dividends. As of June 27, 2008, we were in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

At June 27, 2008, we had $277.1 million available under committed working capital facilities, primarily under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a swing line facility and a letter of credit facility. At June 27, 2008, we applied $44.4 million to the letter of credit facility, comprised primarily of certain contingent obligations and other governmental agency guarantees combined with guarantees for purchases of raw materials and equipment.

At June 27, 2008, we had $448.6 million of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including the current portion, consisting of $421.9 million outstanding under the Credit Facility (including the Term Loan), $12.5 million of capital lease obligations and $14.2 million of other long-term debt and notes payable.

9. Comprehensive Income

The following table sets forth comprehensive income for the quarter and six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007 (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Quarter ended     Six months ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Comprehensive income:

        

Net income

   $ 41.9     $ 63.9     $ 105.5     $ 115.5  

Net unrealized gain (losses) on derivatives

     10.9       (0.9 )     (8.6 )     (2.6 )

Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains

     1.7       9.0       0.8       8.5  

Net change in retirement benefit adjustment, net of tax

     (0.6 )     (0.2 )     (1.4 )     (4.5 )
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 53.9     $ 71.8     $ 96.3     $ 116.9  
                                

 

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10. Litigation

DBCP Litigation

Beginning in December 1993, certain of our U.S. subsidiaries were named among the defendants in a number of actions in courts in Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, California and the Philippines involving claims by numerous non-U.S. plaintiffs that they were injured as a result of exposure to a nematocide containing the chemical dibromochloropropane (“DBCP”) during the period 1965 to 1990. As a result of a settlement entered into in December 1998, the remaining unresolved DBCP claims against our U.S. subsidiaries are pending in Hawaii, Louisiana and California.

In 1997, plaintiffs from Costa Rica and Guatemala named certain of our U.S. subsidiaries in a purported class action in Hawaii. The action was dismissed by a federal district court on grounds of forum non conveniens in favor of the courts of the plaintiffs’ home countries and the plaintiffs appealed this decision. On April 22, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the plaintiffs’ appeal of the dismissal, thereby remanding the action to the Hawaiian state court. On April 27, 2007, our U.S. subsidiaries named in the action which do not have ties to Hawaii filed a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, and plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed these subsidiaries from the action on June 28, 2007. On February 19, 2008, plaintiffs moved to certify a worldwide class of farm workers allegedly injured from exposure to DBCP, which motion was denied at a hearing held on June 4, 2008. A trial date of February 2009 has been set for the ten named plaintiffs, although discovery has not yet commenced.

On November 15, 1999, one of our subsidiaries was served in two actions entitled, Godoy Rodriguez, et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corp., et al. and Martinez Puerto, et al. v. AMVAC Chemical Corp., et al., in the 29th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Charles, Louisiana. These actions were removed to federal court, where they have been consolidated. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Hawaiian action, the district court remanded these actions to state court in Louisiana. At this time, it is not known how many of the approximately 315 remaining Godoy Rodriguez and Martinez Puerto plaintiffs are making claims against the Fresh Del Monte subsidiary.

On October 14, 2004, two of our subsidiaries were served with a complaint in an action styled Angel Abarca, et al. v. Dole Food Co., et al. filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles on behalf of more than 2,600 Costa Rican banana workers who claim injury from exposure to DBCP. An initial review of the plaintiffs in the Abarca action found that a substantial number of the plaintiffs were claimants in prior DBCP actions in Texas and may have participated in the settlement of those actions. On May 6, 2008, the court dismissed the claims of 1,113 plaintiffs who were parties to prior DBCP actions. On June 30, 2008, Defendants moved to dismiss the claims of the remaining Abarca plaintiffs on grounds of forum non conveniens. The motion to dismiss is scheduled to be heard on October 7, 2008.

On April 25, 2005, two of our subsidiaries were served with a complaint styled Juan Jose Abrego, et. al. v. Dole Food Company, et al. filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles on behalf of 955 Guatemalan residents who claim injury from exposure to DBCP. An initial review of the plaintiffs in the Abarca action found that a substantial number of the plaintiffs were claimants in prior DBCP actions and may have participated in the settlement of those actions. On May 6, 2008, the court dismissed the claims of 206 plaintiffs who were parties to prior DBCP actions.

Former Shareholders Litigation

On December 30, 2002, we were served with a complaint filed on December 18, 2002 in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida by seven Mexican individuals and corporations, who claim to have been former indirect shareholders of our predecessor. In addition to the complaint being filed against us, the complaint was also filed against certain of our current and former directors, officers and shareholders and that of our predecessor.

The complaint alleges that instead of proceeding with a prospective buyer who offered superior terms, the former chairman of our predecessor and majority shareholder, agreed to sell our predecessor to its current majority shareholder at a below market price as the result of commercial bribes allegedly paid by our current majority shareholder and Chief Executive Officer to our predecessor’s former chairman. The trial in the case commenced on October 30, 2006, and the jury rendered a verdict in our favor on November 17, 2006. The court followed with a final judgment in our favor on December 20, 2006. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on January 19, 2007. The appeal remains pending.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

10. Litigation (continued)

 

Class Action Litigation

a. Pineapple Class Actions

On August 2, 2004, a consolidated complaint was filed against two of our subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This consolidated action is brought as a putative class action on behalf of all direct and indirect purchasers of Del Monte Gold ® pineapples from March 1, 1996 through the present and merges four actions brought by fruit wholesalers and two actions brought by individual consumers. The consolidated complaint alleges claims for: (i) monopolization and attempted monopolization; (ii) restraint of trade; (iii) unfair and deceptive trade practices; and (iv) unjust enrichment. On May 27, 2005, our subsidiaries filed a motion to dismiss the indirect and direct purchasers’ claims for unjust enrichment. On June 29, 2005, plaintiffs filed a joint motion for class certification. On February 20, 2008, the Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for class certification of the indirect purchasers and only granted class certification of the direct purchasers’ claims for monopolization and attempted monopolization which was uncontested by our subsidiaries. Also on February 20, 2008, the Court granted the motion of our subsidiaries to dismiss the direct purchasers’ claims for unjust enrichment and denied as moot the motion to dismiss the indirect purchasers’ state law claims on the basis of the Court’s denial of plaintiffs’ motion for class certification of the indirect purchasers.

On March 5, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action complaint against our subsidiaries in the state court of Tennessee on behalf of consumers who purchased (other than for resale) Del Monte Gold ® pineapples in Tennessee from March 1, 1996 to May 6, 2003. The complaint alleges violations of the Tennessee Trade Practices Act and the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. On February 18, 2005, our subsidiaries filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On May 25, 2006, the court granted the motion in part, dismissing plaintiffs’ claim under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

Between March 17, 2004 and March 18, 2004, three alleged individual consumers separately filed putative class action complaints against us and our subsidiaries in the state court of California on behalf of residents of California who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold ®pineapples between March 1, 1996 and May 6, 2003. On November 9, 2005, the three actions were consolidated under one amended complaint with a single claim for unfair competition in violation of the California Business and Professional Code.

On April 19, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action complaint against our subsidiaries in the state court of Florida on behalf of Florida residents who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold ® pineapples between March 1, 1996 and May 6, 2003. The only surviving claim under the amended complaint alleges violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act relating only to pineapples purchased since April 19, 2000. Our subsidiaries filed an answer to the remaining claim of the amended complaint on October 12, 2006.

On April 29, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action complaint against our subsidiaries in the state court of Arizona on behalf of residents of Arizona who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold ® pineapples between November 1997 and January 2003. The complaint alleges monopolization and attempted monopolization in violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act, and unjust enrichment in violation of common law.

On July 25, 2005, our subsidiaries filed a motion to dismiss the claim for violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act which was granted by the state court on February 18, 2006. Our subsidiaries filed an answer to the remaining claims of the complaint on October 12, 2006.

On July 2, 2004, an alleged individual consumer filed a putative class action which was served on August 24, 2004 against our subsidiaries in the state court of Nevada on behalf of residents of Nevada who purchased (other than for re-sale) Del Monte Gold ® pineapples between November 1997 and January 2003. The complaint alleges restraint of trade in violation of Nevada statutes, common law monopolization and unjust enrichment. On April 11, 2006, the court granted in part the motion of our subsidiaries to dismiss the complaint dismissing the claims for common law monopolization, unjust enrichment and violation of Nevada’s Unfair Trade Practices Act in its application prior to July 1, 2001. Our subsidiaries filed an answer to the remaining claims of the amended complaint on June 30, 2006.

b. Banana Class Actions

Between July 25, 2005 and August 22, 2005, several plaintiffs served putative class action complaints against us, one of our subsidiaries and several other corporations all in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all direct purchasers of bananas. On November 30, 2005, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint alleging that the defendants engaged in a continuing agreement, understanding and conspiracy to restrain trade by artificially raising, fixing and maintaining the prices of, and otherwise restricting the sale of, bananas in the United States in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act beginning May 1, 1999.

 

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10. Litigation (continued)

 

Additionally, between August 8, 2005 and November 10, 2005, Arizona, California, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee and Kansas residents filed two putative class action complaints against us, one of our subsidiaries and several other corporations in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all indirect purchasers of bananas in their respective states. On March 3, 2006, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint alleging violations of numerous state antitrust, competition, and unjust enrichment statutes beginning May 1, 1999.

The cases on behalf of the direct purchasers have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The cases on behalf of the indirect purchasers were assigned to the same judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

On May 15, 2007, we reached an agreement with plaintiffs to settle the consolidated direct purchaser cases for a total aggregate payment to plaintiffs of $2.5 million (including attorney’s fees), which was paid during June 2007 and recorded in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income. On November 26, 2007, the Court entered an order and final judgment approving the settlement.

On June 26, 2007, we reached an agreement with plaintiffs to settle the indirect purchaser action by agreeing to make a donation to America’s Second Harvest (also known as The Nation’s Food Bank Network), or a comparable charity, of fruit and/or vegetables with a retail value of $0.8 million within a year from final approval of the settlement agreement and agreeing to pay up to $0.1 million of the plaintiffs attorneys’ fees and costs to be incurred by plaintiffs’ in providing notice to class members of the proposed settlement. On November 21, 2007, the Court entered an order and final judgment approving the settlement. One individual has filed a pro se notice of appeal of the Court’s order and final judgment. On May 8, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit dismissed the appeal and the settlement became effective. We have paid $0.1 million for the plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and costs. We recorded a liability of $0.3 million as of June 27, 2008 included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet related to donations to charity expected to be provided within the next year. The charges related to attorney’s fees and the donations to charity were recorded in Cost of products sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

European Union Antitrust Investigation

On June 2, 2005, one of our German subsidiaries was visited by the antitrust authority of the European Union (“EU”) which is investigating our subsidiary as well as other produce companies for possible violations of the EU’s competition laws. Our subsidiary received several requests for additional information from the EU antitrust authority from February 17, 2006 to May 22, 2007 and has responded fully to the requests. Our subsidiary will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation. On July 23, 2007, our subsidiary received a Statement of Objections from the European Commission regarding the investigation. Statements of Objections were also sent to the other produce companies under investigation. The document concerns banana pricing during the period from 2000 until 2005. From February 4, 2008 to February 6, 2008, the European Commission held an oral hearing on the Statements of Objections. At the hearing, with one exception, all the produce companies under investigation including our subsidiary rejected the findings of the European Commission in the Statements of Objections.

Freight Broker Litigation

In September 1997, a freight broker formerly engaged by one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries filed suit against the subsidiary in Guatemala claiming $1.9 million in damages and in Costa Rica claiming $1.3 million in damages as indemnification for constructive wrongful termination of the general agency agreement between the broker and the subsidiary. Under the agreement, the broker arranged third-party cargo to be booked for carriage on ships owned or chartered by our subsidiary. The Guatemala action has been dismissed for being time barred by the statute of limitations. In the Costa Rica action, the trial court has entered judgment against us in the amount of $0.8 million plus interest and costs. Our subsidiary is appealing this decision. The costs of defense in this action are covered by insurance.

Kunia Well Site

In 1980, elevated levels of certain chemicals were detected in the soil and ground-water at a plantation leased by one of our U.S. subsidiaries in Honolulu, Hawaii (the “Kunia Well Site”). Shortly thereafter, our subsidiary discontinued the use of the Kunia Well Site and provided an alternate water source to area well users and the subsidiary commenced its own voluntary cleanup operation. In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) identified the Kunia Well Site for potential listing on the National Priorities List (“NPL”) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended. On December 16, 1994, the EPA issued a final rule adding the Kunia Well Site to the NPL.

 

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10. Litigation (continued)

 

On September 28, 1995, our subsidiary entered into an order (the “Order”) with the EPA to conduct the remedial investigation and the feasibility study of the Kunia Well Site. Under the terms of the Order, our subsidiary submitted a remedial investigation report in November 1998 and a final draft feasibility study in December 1999 (which was updated from time to time) for review by the EPA. The EPA approved the remedial investigation report in February 1999 and the feasibility study on April 22, 2003.

As a result of communications with the EPA in 2001, we recorded a charge of $15.0 million in the third quarter of 2001 to increase the recorded liability to the estimated expected future cleanup cost for the Kunia Well Site to $19.1 million. Based on conversations with the EPA in the third quarter of 2002 and consultation with our legal counsel and other experts, we recorded a charge of $7.0 million during the third quarter of 2002 to increase the accrual for the expected future clean-up costs for the Kunia Well Site to $26.1 million.

On September 25, 2003, the EPA issued the Record of Decision (“ROD”). The EPA estimates in the ROD that the remediation costs associated with the clean up of the Kunia Well Site will range from $12.9 million to $25.4 million and will last approximately 10 years. The undiscounted estimates are between $14.8 million and $28.7 million. The undiscounted estimate on which our accrual is based totals $25.8 million and is discounted using a 5.0% rate. As of June 27, 2008, there is $19.6 million included in other noncurrent liabilities and $1.2 million included in accounts payable and accrued expenses for the Kunia well site clean-up. We expect to expend approximately $1.2 million in cash per year for the next five years. Certain portions of the EPA’s estimates have been discounted using a 5% interest rate.

On January 13, 2004, the EPA deleted a portion of the Kunia Well Site (Northeast section) from the NPL. On May 2, 2005, our subsidiary signed a Consent Decree with the EPA for the performance of the clean up work for the Kunia Well Site. On September 27, 2005, the U.S. District Court for Hawaii approved and entered the Consent Decree. Based on findings from remedial investigations at the Kunia Well Site, our subsidiary continues to evaluate with the EPA the clean up work currently in progress in accordance with the Consent Decree.

Other

In addition to the foregoing, we are involved from time to time in various claims and legal actions incident to our operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, none of these other claims are currently expected to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or our cash flows. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in all of the above matters. At this time, management is not able to evaluate the likelihood of a favorable or unfavorable outcome in any of the above-described matters. Accordingly, management is not able to estimate the range or amount of loss, if any, from any of the above-described matters and no accruals or expenses have been recorded as of June 27, 2008, except as related to the Kunia Well Site and Banana Class Actions.

11. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is calculated as follows (U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data):

 

     Quarter ended    Six months ended
     June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
Numerator:            

Net income

   $ 41.9    $ 63.9    $ 105.5    $ 115.5
                           
Denominator:            

Weighted average ordinary shares - Basic

     63,455,713      57,769,054      63,157,388      57,734,471

Effect of dilutive securities - stock options

     348,339      257,237      423,733      151,963
                           

Weighted average ordinary shares - Diluted

     63,804,052      58,026,291      63,581,121      57,886,434
                           
Net income per ordinary share:            

Basic

   $ 0.66    $ 1.11    $ 1.67    $ 2.00
                           

Diluted

   $ 0.66    $ 1.10    $ 1.66    $ 2.00
                           

 

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12. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits

The following table sets forth the net periodic costs (credits) of our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plan (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Pension Plans     Postretirement Plan  
     Quarter ended     Quarter ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Service cost

   $ 0.3     $ 0.4     $ —       $ —    

Interest cost

     1.5       1.5       0.1       0.1  

Expected return on assets

     (1.1 )     (0.9 )     —         —    

Net amortization

     0.1       0.2       (0.8 )     (0.5 )
                                

Net periodic costs (credits)

   $ 0.8     $ 1.2     $ (0.7 )   $ (0.4 )
                                

 

     Six months ended     Six months ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Service cost

   $ 0.6     $ 0.9     $ —       $ —    

Interest cost

     3.0       2.9       0.1       0.1  

Expected return on assets

     (2.2 )     (1.9 )     —         —    

Net amortization

     0.1       0.4       (1.6 )     (1.5 )

Curtailment gain

     —         —         —         (3.4 )
                                

Net periodic costs (credits)

   $ 1.5     $ 2.3     $ (1.5 )   $ (4.8 )
                                

 

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13. Business Segment Data

We are principally engaged in one major line of business, the production, distribution and marketing of bananas, other fresh produce and prepared food. Our products are sold in markets throughout the world, with our major producing operations located in North, Central and South America, Asia and Africa.

Our operations are aggregated on the basis of our products; bananas, other fresh produce, prepared food and other products and services. Other fresh produce includes pineapples, melons, tomatoes, strawberries, non-tropical fruit (including grapes, apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, avocados and kiwis), fresh-cut products and other fruit and vegetables. Prepared food includes prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks and a poultry and processed meat business. Other products and services includes a third-party ocean freight business, a plastic product and box manufacturing business and a grain business.

We evaluate performance based on several factors, of which gross profit by product and net sales by geographic region are the primary financial measures (U.S. dollars in millions):

 

     Quarter ended  
     June 27, 2008    June 29, 2007  
     Net Sales    Gross Profit    Net Sales    Gross Profit
(Loss)
 

Product net sales and gross profit (loss):

           

Bananas

   $ 381.5    $ 41.7    $ 324.8    $ 31.5  

Other fresh produce

     444.5      40.9      472.5      73.8  

Prepared food

     114.5      15.3      100.4      16.9  

Other products and services

     31.7      1.7      26.5      (2.6 )
                             

Total

   $ 972.2    $ 99.6    $ 924.2    $ 119.6  
                             

 

     Six months ended
     June 27, 2008    June 29, 2007
     Net Sales    Gross Profit    Net Sales    Gross Profit

Bananas

   $ 721.6    $ 71.8    $ 612.6    $ 52.2

Other fresh produce

     863.5      94.0      899.5      138.3

Prepared food

     216.4      25.3      190.3      27.5

Other products and services

     65.6      5.4      57.8      0.7
                           

Total

   $ 1,867.1    $ 196.5    $ 1,760.2    $ 218.7
                           

 

     June 27,
2008
   December 28,
2007

Identifiable assets:

     

North America

   $ 358.3    $ 334.6

Europe

     545.3      575.3

Middle East

     203.8      187.9

Africa

     116.4      118.3

Asia

     158.5      128.4

Central and South America

     1,039.6      645.9

Maritime equipment (including containers)

     94.7      99.7

Corporate

     87.2      95.6
             

Total identifiable assets

   $ 2,603.8    $ 2,185.7
             

 

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FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)

 

14. Fair Value Measurements

We mitigate the risk of fluctuations in currency exchange rates on our results of operations and financial condition by entering into foreign currency cash flow hedges. We account for the fair value of the related forward contracts as either an asset in other current assets or a liability in accrued expenses. We adopted SFAS No. 157 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 29, 2007, the first day of our 2008 year. We use an income approach to value our outstanding foreign currency cash flow hedges. An income approach consists of a discounted cash flow model that takes into account the present value of future cash flows under the terms of the contracts using current market information as of the measurement date such as foreign currency spot and forward rates. Additionally, an element of default risk based on observable inputs was built into the fair value calculation based on the provisions of SFAS No. 157. We expect that of the $14.9 million net liability outstanding, $12.7 million of the amount outstanding will be transferred to earnings in 2008 and the remaining in 2009 along with the earnings effect of the related forecasted transaction.

The following table provides a summary of the fair values of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis under SFAS No. 157:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at June 27, 2008 Using
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Foreign currency hedges, net liability

   $ —      $ 14.9    $ —  
                    

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 157, the fair value of these hedges was a net liability of $6.2 million as of December 28, 2007, substantially all of which will be transferred to earnings during 2008.

In estimating our fair value disclosures for financial instruments, we use the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount of these items approximates fair value due to the high credit standing of the financial institutions holding these items and their liquid nature.

Trade accounts receivable and other accounts receivable, net: The carrying value reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these items is net of allowances for doubtful accounts which includes a degree of counterparty non-performance risk.

Accounts payable and other current liabilities: The carrying value reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these items approximates their fair value, which is the likely amount for which the liability with short settlement periods would be transferred to a market participant with a similar credit standing as the Company.

Capital lease obligations: The carrying value of our capital lease obligations approximates their fair value based on current interest rates which contain an element of default risk.

Long-term debt: The carrying value of our long-term debt approximates their fair value since they bear interest at variable rates or fixed rates which contain an element of default risk.

 

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Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We are one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and marketer of prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages and snacks in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We market our products worldwide under the DEL MONTE® brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability since 1892. Our global sourcing and logistics system allows us to provide regular delivery of consistently high quality produce and value-added services to our customers. Our major producing operations are located in North, Central and South America, Asia and Africa. Production operations are aggregated on the basis of our products; bananas, other fresh produce, prepared foods and other products and services. Other fresh produce includes pineapples, melons, tomatoes, non-tropical fruit (including grapes, apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, avocados, and kiwis), fresh-cut products and other fruit and vegetables. Prepared foods include prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks and a poultry and processed meat business. Other products and services includes a third-party ocean freight business, a plastic product and box manufacturing business and a grain business.

Recent Developments

On June 6, 2008, we acquired all of the shares of Desarollo Agroindustrial de Frutales, S.A., a producer of high quality bananas in Costa Rica; all of the shares of Frutas de Exportacion, S.A., a major producer of gold pineapples in Costa Rica; and all of the shares of an affiliated sales and marketing company, collectively know as “Caribana”. The purchase price for Caribana was $403.0 million plus $2.4 million for acquisition related expenses, financed with $88.5 million in cash on hand and drawings under the existing syndicated revolving credit facility. As a result of this acquisition our current land holdings in Costa Rica increased by approximately 13,000 hectares of quality farm land producing approximately 13 million boxes of bananas and 11 million boxes of gold pineapples annually. We also acquired state-of-the-art packing facilities, as well as modern farming equipment. Caribana’s extensive production area substantially increases our presence in the banana market and further strengthens our number one position in the gold pineapple market. The close proximity of Caribana’s production and packing operations to our existing farms provides the potential for significant operating efficiencies and synergies. This transaction positions us to capitalize on the growing global demand for fresh produce and rapidly expand our reach into existing and new markets.

On June 27, 2008, we acquired certain operating assets, excluding land, of Melones de Costa Rica, S.A. (“MCR”). MCR is a 50% owned unconsolidated subsidiary that produced melons for us in Costa Rica. MCR will continue to own the land which will be leased to us on a long-term basis. This transaction will give us more control of production and secure this melon volume going forward. Total area under production is approximately 2,300 hectares with an estimated annual production of 3 million boxes. The purchase price is approximately $8.3 million of which $4.2 million will be paid in 2008 using operating cash flows and available borrowings under our Credit Facility and the remaining $4.1 million will be paid in June 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $208.9 million for the first six months of 2008 as compared to $131.5 million for the first six months of 2007. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was principally attributable to changes in operating assets and liabilities which were primarily comprised of lower levels of prepared food inventory and higher levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses, which resulted from significantly higher fruit procurement and logistic costs, partially offset by higher balances in trade accounts receivable that resulted from higher banana net sales in North America, the Middle East and Asia.

Working capital was $438.3 million at June 27, 2008 compared to working capital of $491.2 million at December 28, 2007. The decrease in working capital of $52.9 million was primarily attributable to higher levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses which resulted from significantly higher procurement and logistic costs and lower prepared food inventories partially offset by higher levels of accounts receivable which resulted from increased banana sales.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first six months of 2008 was $435.3 million compared with net cash used in investing activities of $37.7 million for the first six months of 2007. Net cash used by investing activities for the first six months of 2008 consisted of the purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired of $400.6 million and capital expenditures of $43.3 million, partially offset by proceeds from sales of assets of $8.6 million. Purchase of subsidiary relates to the acquisition of Caribana. Capital expenditures for the first six months of 2008 were primarily for expansion of production facilities in Jordan, the Philippines and Brazil and for distribution centers in Saudi Arabia, Germany and South Korea. Proceeds from sales of assets for the first six months of 2008 consists primarily of the sale of under-utilized properties in South America.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first six months of 2007 consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $46.0 million partially offset by proceeds from sales of assets of $7.8 million. Capital expenditures for the first six months of 2007 were primarily for expansion of distribution and manufacturing facilities in the Middle East and expansion of production facilities in Kenya, Brazil and the Philippines. Proceeds from sale of assets for the first six months of 2007 consists primarily of sale of equipment in the U.S. and sales of properties in South Africa.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities for the first six months of 2008 was $231.1 million compared with $94.8 million of net cash used in financing activities for the first six months of 2007. Net cash provided by financing activities for the first six months of 2008 consisted of net proceeds from long-term debt of $209.8 million and $21.3 million of cash proceeds received from stock options exercised. Net cash used in financing activities for the first six months of 2007 consisted primarily of net repayments of debt of $96.6 million.

We finance our working capital and other liquidity requirements primarily through cash from operations and borrowings under our credit facility administered by Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., New York Branch, which we refer to as Rabobank (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility includes a revolving commitment of $600.0 million expiring November 10, 2009 and a term loan commitment (the “Term Loan”).

The Term Loan is a five-year amortizing loan with quarterly payments of principal and interest which matures on May 10, 2011. At June 27, 2008, we had $141.6 million outstanding under the Term Loan. The interest rate on the Term Loan (3.25% at June 27, 2008) is based on a spread over the London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”).

The Credit Facility is collateralized directly or indirectly by substantially all of our assets and is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. The Credit Facility permits borrowings with an interest rate, determined by our leverage ratio, based on a spread over LIBOR (3.32% at June 27, 2008). The Credit Facility requires us to be in compliance with various financial and other covenants and limits the amount of future dividends. As of June 27, 2008, we were in compliance with all of the financial and other covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

At June 27, 2008, we had $277.1 million available under committed working capital facilities, primarily under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility also includes a swing line facility and a letter of credit facility. At June 27, 2008, we applied $44.4 million to the letter of credit facility, comprised primarily of certain contingent obligations and other governmental agency guarantees combined with guarantees for purchases of raw materials and equipment.

At June 27, 2008, we had $448.6 million of long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including the current portion, consisting of $421.9 million outstanding under the Credit Facility (including the Term Loan), $12.5 million of capital lease obligations and $14.2 million of other long-term debt.

At June 27, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of $33.6 million.

As a result of the previously announced closure of our Hawaii pineapple and U.K. beverage production operations combined with the transition to exclusive distributors for prepared food in the U.K., Italy and Belgium and the closure of under-utilized facilities in the U.K, we paid approximately $5.0 million during the first six months of 2008 in termination benefits and contractual obligations. We expect to make additional payments of approximately $4.1 million during the remainder of 2008 and $2.8 million in 2009 and thereafter related to these matters. These cash outlays will be funded from operating cash flows and available borrowings under our Credit Facility.

 

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Results of Operations

The following tables present for each of the periods indicated (i) net sales by geographic region and (ii) net sales and gross profit by product category, and in each case, the percentage of the total represented thereby:

Net sales by geographic region:

 

      Quarter ended     Six months ended  
     June 27, 2008     June 29, 2007     June 27, 2008     June 29, 2007  

North America

   $ 443.2    46 %   $ 426.9    46 %   $ 854.1    46 %   $ 843.3    48 %

Europe

     299.4    31 %     305.8    33 %     599.2    32 %     571.3    32 %

Asia

     126.2    13 %     111.4    12 %     217.6    12 %     206.5    12 %

Middle East

     75.6    8 %     54.4    6 %     134.8    7 %     84.7    5 %

Other

     27.8    2 %     25.7    3 %     61.4    3 %     54.4    3 %
                                                    

Total

   $ 972.2    100 %   $ 924.2    100 %   $ 1,867.1    100 %   $ 1,760.2    100 %
                                                    

Product net sales and gross profit (loss):

 

     Quarter ended  
     June 27, 2008     June 29, 2007  
     Net Sales     Gross Profit     Net Sales     Gross Profit
(Loss)
 

Bananas

   $ 381.5    39 %   $ 41.7    42 %   $ 324.8    35 %   $ 31.5     26 %

Other fresh produce

     444.5    46 %     40.9    41 %     472.5    51 %     73.8     62 %

Prepared food

     114.5    12 %     15.3    15 %     100.4    11 %     16.9     14 %

Other products and services

     31.7    3 %     1.7    2 %     26.5    3 %     (2.6 )   -2 %
                                                     

Total

   $ 972.2    100 %   $ 99.6    100 %   $ 924.2    100 %   $ 119.6     100 %
                                                     

 

     Six months ended  
     June 27, 2008     June 29, 2007  
     Net Sales     Gross Profit     Net Sales     Gross Profit  

Bananas

   $ 721.6    39 %   $ 71.8    36 %   $ 612.6    35 %   $ 52.2    24 %

Other fresh produce

     863.5    46 %     94.0    48 %     899.5    51 %     138.3    63 %

Prepared food

     216.4    12 %     25.3    13 %     190.3    11 %     27.5    13 %

Other products and services

     65.6    3 %     5.4    3 %     57.8    3 %     0.7    0 %
                                                    

Total

   $ 1,867.1    100 %   $ 196.5    100 %   $ 1,760.2    100 %   $ 218.7    100 %
                                                    

Second Quarter 2008 Compared with Second Quarter 2007

Net Sales. Net sales for the second quarter of 2008 were $972.2 million compared with $924.2 million for the second quarter of 2007. The increase in net sales of $48.0 million was principally attributable to higher net sales of bananas, prepared food and other products and services partially offset by lower net sales in the other fresh produce segment. Net sales of bananas increased by $56.7 million primarily due to higher per unit sales prices in North America, the Middle East and Europe that resulted from industry-wide volume shortages and growing demand combined with favorable exchange rates in Europe and Asia. Partially offsetting these increases in banana net sales were lower sales volume in Europe and lower per unit sales price in Asia. Net sales of prepared food increased $14.1 million primarily due to increased sales of canned pineapple, the direct result of continued industry production shortages in Thailand and the Philippines, favorable exchange rates and higher net sales in our Jordanian poultry and prepared meat business. Net sales of other products and services increased by $5.2 million primarily due to increased sales in our Chilean plastic business. Net sales of other fresh produce decreased by $28.0 million primarily due to a 23% decrease in melon net sales that resulted from adverse production conditions in Central and North America, a 7% decrease in net sales of fresh-cut product that resulted from continued labor shortages in North America and lower demand combined with lower sales of tomatoes and potatoes. Partially offsetting these decreases in net sales in the other fresh produce segment were higher net sales of gold pineapple that resulted from a 4% increase in sales volume and a 5% increase net sales of non-tropical fruit principally as a result of higher per unit sales prices.

 

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Cost of Products Sold. Cost of products sold was $872.6 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $804.6 million for the second quarter of 2007, an increase of $68.0 million. This increase in cost of products sold was primarily attributable to higher fruit costs resulting from increased input prices and procurement costs combined with a negative foreign exchange impact as currencies in producing countries strengthened against the U.S. dollar as well as increased ocean freight that resulted primarily from higher fuel prices, charter rates and vessel operating expenses. Also included in cost of products sold during the second quarter of 2008 is $2.1 million attributable to wages paid to idle workers and write-offs of packaging material inventory as a result of the floods in our Brazil banana operations. As a result of the Brazil flood, we are not replanting approximately 970 hectares of banana plantation. This decrease in production will result in higher fruit costs in the near term.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $99.6 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $119.6 million for the second quarter of 2007, a decrease of $20.0 million. The decrease in gross profit was attributable to lower gross profit on the other fresh produce segment of $32.9 million, lower gross profit on prepared food of $1.6 million partially offset by higher gross profit on bananas of $10.2 million and higher gross profit on other products and services of $4.3 million.

Gross profit on the other fresh produce segment decreased principally as a result of lower gross profit on gold pineapples, fresh-cut products, non-tropical fruit and melons. Gross profit on gold pineapples decreased due to a 17% increase in per unit costs that resulted from higher input and procurement prices and ocean freight costs. Gross profit on fresh-cut products decreased principally as a result of a 23% increase in costs due to higher production costs that resulted from continued labor shortages in North America and higher input costs combined with a 17% reduction in sales volume. Gross profit on non-tropical fruit decreased principally as a result of a 30% increase in costs due to higher fruit costs partially offset by higher per unit sales prices. Gross profit on melons decreased principally due to a 30% reduction in sales volume that resulted from adverse production conditions in North America and Central America which contributed to a 16% increase in costs.

Gross profit on prepared food decreased principally as a result of higher production and transportation costs and as a result of our decision to market our prepared food products through independent distributors in the U.K., Italy and Belgium which is offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses as indicated below.

Gross profit on bananas increased primarily due to increased per unit selling prices in North America, the Middle East and Europe, favorable exchange rates in Europe and Asia and increased sales volume in North America, Asia and the Middle East partially offset by a 10% increase in per unit costs. Worldwide pricing increased 12% to $14.14 per unit. Gross profit on other products and services increased principally as a result of improvements in our Chilean plastic businesses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $4.6 million from $47.4 million in the second quarter of 2007 to $42.8 million for the second quarter of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to lower selling and marketing expenses in Europe as a result of our decision to market our prepared food products through independent distributors in the U.K., Italy and Belgium. During the third and fourth quarters of 2007, we closed our Belgium and Italy sales offices and significantly reduced our sales and marketing staff in our U.K. office which resulted in the reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Asset Impairment and Other Charges, Net. Asset impairment and other charges, net of $11.6 million were recorded during the second quarter of 2008 as compared with $4.9 million during the second quarter of 2007. Asset impairment and other charges for the second quarter of 2008 principally include asset impairments of $9.5 million related to extensive flood damage in our Brazil banana operations in April 2008 and $2.3 million related to the closure of under-utilized distribution centers in the U.K. related to the banana segment and a net credit of $0.7 million related to the other fresh produce segment as a result of the previously announced decision to exit all production activities in Hawaii in 2006. This net gain consists principally of amortization of prior service credits for the U.S. based post-retirement health plan that resulted from employee turnover and actuarial gains.

Included in the $4.9 million for the quarter ended June 29, 2007 are asset impairment charges of $5.1 million and exit activity charges of $0.4 million related to assets held for sale and exit activities in Europe in the prepared food segment. In addition, as a result of the decision to exit all production activities in Hawaii in 2006, the Company recorded a net gain of $0.6 million during the second quarter of 2007 related to the other fresh produce segment. This net gain consists principally of amortization of prior service credits for the U.S. based post-retirement health plan that resulted from employee turnover and actuarial gains.

Operating Income. Operating income for the second quarter of 2008 decreased by $22.1 million from $67.3 million in the second quarter of 2007 to $45.2 million for the second quarter of 2008. The decrease in operating income was due to lower gross profit, higher asset impairment and other charges partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

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Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $5.5 million from $8.0 million for the second quarter of 2007 compared with $2.5 million for the second quarter of 2008, as a result of lower average debt balances and lower interest rates.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net, was $2.4 million for the second quarter of 2008 as compared with $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2007, an increase of $2.2 million. This increase in other income, net, is principally attributable to lower foreign exchange losses combined with lower losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. Provision (benefit) for income taxes increased from a benefit of $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2007 to a provision of $3.7 million for the second quarter of 2008, an increase of $7.5 million. During the second quarter of 2007, we recorded a benefit of $4.8 million due primarily to the reversal of an uncertain tax position for the settlement of a tax audit. The increase in the provision also reflects higher taxable earnings in certain foreign jurisdictions during the second quarter of 2008.

First Six Months of 2008 Compared with First Six Months of 2007

Net Sales. Net sales for the first six months of 2008 were $1,867.1 million compared with $1,760.2 million for the first six months of 2007. The increase in net sales of $106.9 million was primarily attributable to higher net sales of bananas, prepared food, and other products and services partially offset by lower net sales in the other fresh produce segment. Banana net sales increased by $109.0 million primarily due to higher per unit sales prices in all regions and higher sales volumes in North America and the Middle East and favorable exchange rates in Europe and Asia partially offset by lower sales volumes in Europe and Asia. Net sales of prepared food increased $26.1 million primarily due to increased sales of canned pineapple, the direct result of continued industry production shortages in Thailand and the Philippines, favorable exchange rates and higher net sales in our Jordanian poultry and prepared meat business. Net sales of other products and services increased by $7.8 million primarily due to increased sales in our Chilean plastic and the Argentine grain businesses. Net sales of other fresh produce decreased by $36.0 million principally due to lower net sales of melons, vegetables, fresh-cut products, tomatoes and potatoes partially offset by increased sales of gold pineapples and non-tropical fruit. Melon net sales decreased due to lower sales volumes that resulted primarily from unfavorable growing conditions in Central and North America. Net sales of vegetables, tomatoes and potatoes decreased primarily due to lower sales volume resulting from continuing product rationalization in North America. Fresh-cut product net sales decreased as a result of lower sales volume primarily due to continued labor shortages in North America and lower demand. Net sales of gold pineapples increased primarily as a result of higher sales volume combined with a slight increase in per unit sales prices. Non-tropical fruit net sales increased principally as a result of higher per unit sales prices partially offset by reduced sales volume.

Cost of Products Sold. Cost of products sold was $1,670.6 million for the first six months of 2008 compared with $1,541.5 million for the first six months of 2007, an increase of $129.1 million. This increase in cost of products sold was primarily attributable to higher fruit costs resulting from increased input prices and procurement costs combined a negative foreign exchange impact as well as increased ocean freight costs that resulted primarily from higher fuel prices, charter rates and vessel operating expenses. Also included in cost of products sold during the first six months of 2008 is $2.1 million attributable to wages paid to idle workers and write-offs of packaging material inventory as a result of the floods in our Brazil banana operations. As a result of the Brazil flood, we are not replanting approximately 970 hectares of banana plantation. This decrease in production will result in higher fruit costs in the near term.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $196.5 million for the first six months of 2008 compared with $218.7 million for the first six months of 2007, a decrease of $22.2 million. The decrease in gross profit was attributable to lower gross profit on the other fresh produce segment of $44.3 million, lower gross profit on prepared food of $2.2 million partially offset by higher gross profit on bananas of $19.6 million and higher gross profit on other products and services of $4.7 million.

Gross profit on the other fresh produce segment decreased principally as a result of lower gross profit on fresh-cut products, melons, gold pineapples and tomatoes. Gross profit on fresh-cut products decreased principally as a result of reduced sales volume combined with a 22% increase in costs due to higher production costs as a result of continued labor shortages in North America and higher input costs. Gross profit on melons decreased principally due to a 20% reduction in sales volume that resulted from adverse production conditions in Central and North America which contributed to a 13% increase in costs. Gross profit on gold pineapples decreased due to a 15% increase in costs that resulted from higher input, procurement and ocean freight costs. Gross profit on tomatoes decreased principally due to reduced sales volume and a 16% increase in costs partially offset by higher per unit sales prices.

In the prepared food segment, gross profit decreased primarily due to a 10% increase in costs that resulted from higher production and transportation costs. The decline in gross profit also reflects our decision to market our prepared food products through independent distributors in the U.K., Italy and Belgium, which was offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses as indicated below.

 

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Banana gross profit increased due to higher per unit selling prices in all regions combined with increased sales volume in North America and the Middle East partially offset by a 10% increase in costs. Gross profit on other products and services increased principally as a result of improvements in our Chilean plastic and Argentine grain businesses.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $7.4 million from $89.6 million for the first six months of 2007 to $82.2 million for the first six months of 2008. The decrease is primarily due to lower selling and marketing expenses in Europe as a result of our decision to market our prepared food products through independent distributors in the U.K., Italy and Belgium.

Asset Impairment and Other Charges, Net. Asset impairment and other charges of $16.2 million were recorded during the first six months of 2008 compared with $2.0 million for the first six months of 2007. Asset impairment and other charges for the first six months of 2008 principally include asset impairments of $9.5 million related to the flood damage in our Brazil banana operations, $7.6 million related to the closure of under-utilized distribution centers in the U.K. related to the banana segment and the previously announced closure of the beverage production operation in the U.K. related to the prepared food segment and a net gain of $1.0 million related to the other fresh produce segment as a result of the previously announced decision to exit all pineapple production activities in Hawaii in 2006. This net gain consists principally of amortization of prior service credits for the U.S. based post-retirement health plan that resulted from employee turnover and actuarial gains.

We maintain insurance for both property damage and business interruption applicable to our production facilities including our operations in Brazil. The policies providing the coverage are subject to deductibles of $0.1 million for property damage and business interruption. We are pursuing recoveries under both policies related to the damage to our banana operations in Brazil. The amount of total recoveries cannot be estimated at this time.

Included in the $2.0 million for the first six months of 2007 are $5.1 million in asset impairment charges related to assets held for sale and $0.4 million related to exit activities in Europe included in the prepared food segment. In addition, as a result of the decision to exit all pineapple production activities in Hawaii in 2006, the Company recorded a net gain of $3.5 million during the first six months of 2007 related to the other fresh produce segment. This net gain consists principally of a curtailment gain related to the U.S. based post-retirement health plan.

Operating Income. Operating income for the first six months of 2008 decreased by $29.0 million to $98.1 million compared with $127.1 million for the first six months of 2007. The decrease in operating income was principally due to lower gross profit and higher asset impairment and other charges, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $11.3 million to $5.9 million for the first six months of 2008 compared with $17.2 million for the first six months of 2007, reflecting lower average debt balances and interest rates.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net, was $14.9 million for the first six months of 2008 as compared with $4.1 million for the first six months of 2007. The increase in other income, net for the first six months of 2008 as compared with the first six months of 2007 was principally attributable to higher foreign exchange gains.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. Provision (benefit) for income taxes increased from a benefit of $0.7 million for the first six months of 2007 to a provision of $2.4 million for the first six months of 2008, an increase of $3.1 million. The provision for income taxes for the first six months of 2007 includes a benefit of $4.8 million primarily due to the reversal of an uncertain tax position for the settlement of a tax audit, as compared with a benefit of $1.4 million for the first six months of 2008 primarily a reversal of an uncertain tax position as a result of a lapse in the statue of limitations.

Seasonality

Interim results are subject to significant variations and may not be indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire 2008 year.

Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors as previously disclosed in Fresh Del Monte’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 28, 2007.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2007.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 27, 2008. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon that evaluation, Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Such officers also confirm that there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 27, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 10, “Litigation”, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Part I, Item 1 included herein.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors from the information provided in Item 3. Key Information of our Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2007.

 

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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

  1. Fresh Del Monte’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on April 30, 2008. The following individuals were elected to Fresh Del Monte’s Board of Directors to hold office for terms expiring in 2011:

 

NOMINEE

 

VOTES FOR

 

VOTES WITHHELD

Maher Abu-Ghazaleh

  39,895,293   13,073,939

Michael J. Berthelot

  51,581,441   1,387,791

Elias K. Hebeka

  51,581,269   1,387,963

 

  2. Additional Directors, whose terms of office continue after the Meeting, are as follows:

 

Term Expiring In 2009

 

Term Expiring In 2010

Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh   Amir Abu-Ghazaleh
Hani El-Naffy   Edward L. Boykin
John H. Dalton   Salvatore H. Alfiero

 

  3. A proposal to approve and adopt the Company’s financial statements for the 2007 fiscal year ended December 28, 2007 was voted on by the shareholders as follows:

 

VOTES FOR

 

VOTES AGAINST

 

VOTES ABSTAINING

51,615,319

  67,794   1,286,119

 

  4. A proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 26, 2008 was voted on by the shareholders as follows:

 

VOTES FOR

 

VOTES AGAINST

 

VOTES ABSTAINING

52,857,680

  100,748   10,804

 

  5. A proposal to approve and ratify the Sixth Amendment to the Company’s 1999 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), as amended, to increase by 3,000,000 the number of Ordinary Shares (as such term is defined in the Plan) with respect to which options may be granted thereunder, was voted on by the shareholders as follows:

 

VOTES FOR

 

VOTES AGAINST

 

VOTES ABSTAINING

27,527,411

  22,989,672   17,482

 

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Table of Contents
Item 6. Exhibits

 

10.1*, **   Amended and Restated Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. 1999 Share Incentive Plan, effective as of April 30, 2008.
10.2   Stock purchase agreement dated as of June 6, 2008 among Northsound Corporation, Red Crown Development Inc. and JAS Investments Corp., as Sellers and Del Monte (Pinabana) Corp. as Purchaser, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 9, 2008.
10.3*   Ninth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 2008.
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).
32*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

* Filed herewith
** Restated version of the Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. 1999 Share Incentive Plan reflects Amendment no. 1, dated May 1, 2002, Amendments no. 2 through 5 dated April 27, 2005 and Amendment no. 6 dated April 30, 2008.

 

25


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
Date: July 30, 2008   By:  

/s/ Hani El-Naffy

    Hani El-Naffy
    President & Chief Operating Officer
  By:  

/s/ Richard Contreras

    Richard Contreras
    Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

26


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

10.1   Amended and Restated Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. 1999 Share Incentive Plan, effective as of April 30, 2008.
10.3   Ninth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 2008.
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a).
32   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.